The safety of Gauteng residents remains under serious threat as crime remains rampant in the province despite recorded declines in the South African Police Crime Stats for the fourth quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year. The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng demands more action to curb the scourge of crime and ensure residents’ safety.
The crime stats indicate that Gauteng has recorded 1,439 murders in the fourth quarter of 2024/2025 compared to 1,614 in the same quarter for the 2023/2024 financial year, indicating a decrease of 10.8% (-175 cases). Notably, Gauteng is the second highest contributor to murder in the country at 25.1%. 765 of these murders happened in public places using firearms. This shows that criminals are running rampant with little fear of being caught in the act.
The report also indicated that rape in Gauteng contributed 19.1%, which was the second highest in the country. The shocking part is that seven reported cases occurred at educational premises, which are supposed to be safe havens for our children. It is worrying that most rapes in the province continue to happen in the residences of the perpetrator or victim (859) followed by public places (336).
These statistics reflect a province that continues to be haunted by serious crimes and raises questions about the efficiency of the crime prevention measures used to fight crime. Despite this, Premier Panyaza Lesufi continues to boast that his crime prevention measures, including the Crime Wardens known as Amapanyaza, are helping to make Gauteng safe for its residents. The truth is that Gauteng continues to fail to apply the basics of policing, and until this is fixed, the province will remain a hub of crime.
The DA-led provincial government in Gauteng will prioritise collaboration between provinces to combat criminals who move across borders to evade detection and prosecution. We will also ensure that technology is utilised not in the Central Business Districts (CBDs) but where it is needed most in our townships. Additionally, the DA will increase the number of police stations to better serve our people, fill police vacancies, and revitalise police reservists.
The DA Gauteng remains committed to the realisation of a safer Gauteng where residents can live, work, learn, and prosper.
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