Shocking rise in child-related attempted murders in Northern Cape
The MEC for Coghsta and Transport, Safety and Liaison, Bentley Vass, and the provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, released the second quarter crime statistics for the 2024/25 financial year at the Office of the Premier in Kimberley. Picture: Supplied
ATTEMPTED murders involving children increased by a shocking 30.4% during the second quarter of the 2024/25 financial year in the Northern Cape, according to the latest crime statistics.
The MEC for Coghsta and Transport, Safety and Liaison, Bentley Vass, along with the SAPS provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, presented the statistics at the Office of the Premier in Kimberley on December 6.
The report also revealed that the attempted murder of women rose by 9.5%, while assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) against women and children increased by 6% and 4.7%, respectively.
Attempted murders across the province saw an average increase of 19% between July and September this year.
However, the murder rate of children decreased by 33.3% during the same period, with the murder rate of women also showing a decline of 11.8%.
The Upington police station recorded the highest number of murders and sexual assaults in the Northern Cape during the second quarter. Knives were identified as the most commonly used weapons in murder cases.
No incidents of multiple murders or cash-in-transit robberies were reported in the province during this period. However, disturbingly, rapes were reported at Boitumelo Special School and the Vergenoeg preschool aftercare centre.
The Postmasburg police station had the highest number of kidnappings, with ransom demands identified as the main motive behind these crimes.
Murders, attempted murders, and assaults with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) were primarily attributed to arguments, misunderstandings, road rage, and provocation.
Despite these alarming figures, contact crimes in the Northern Cape decreased by 5.5%.
The Delportshoop police station recorded the highest increase in contact crimes at 42.5%, followed by the Modder River police station with 33.3%.
MEC Vass highlighted that 14 out of a total of 17 serious community crimes showed a decrease of 9.5% overall.
“The Frances Baard District, being the highest reporting district with regards to the 17 community crimes, reflected a decrease of 12.8 %. The John Taolo Gaetsewe District showed a decrease of 7.6%, the Namakwa District decreased by 9.2%, Pixley ka Seme exhibited a decrease of 6.5%, and the ZF Mgcawu District followed with a decrease of 6.3%,” said Vass.
He called on all stakeholders to join hands in the fight against crime.
“Our communities must be the ears and eyes of the police because together we can take our streets back from criminals who terrorise our communities. The police service must lead the fight against crime, take charge, and demonstrate the might and authority of the state this festive season,” Vass added.