Cabinet has welcomed the release of the 2nd quarter crime statistics, which show that law enforcement agencies’ efforts to turn the tide in the fight against crime are starting to yield results, with a decrease in both murder and violent crimes.
Addressing the post-Cabinet media briefing held in Cape Town on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the murder rate in South Africa has decreased by 5.8%, while sexual offences decreased by 2.5%, and robbery with aggravating circumstances decreased by 8.8%.
“Additionally, rape decreased by 3.1%, while robbery at residential premises and non-residential premises decreased by 1.3% and 21.1% respectively,” Ntshavheni said.
Cabinet also welcomed the arrest of a 39-year-old Mexican national for dealing in and manufacturing drugs, as well as contravening the Immigration Act after a multi-disciplinary operation guided by police led to the discovery of a drug laboratory in Rietfontein, Johannesburg, valued at approximately R100 million.
“In addition, the South African Police Service (SAPS), through an intelligence-driven operation, confiscated a container carrying cocaine with an estimated street value of around R86.5 million, which came in from Brazil through the Durban Harbour.
“[Additionally], five suspected ATM bombers were killed in a shootout with police in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga. The suspects opened fire on the police after they were cornered at a safe house in Schoongezicht in Emalahleni,” Ntshavheni said.
Cabinet has called on all sectors of society to partner with the police to strengthen the fight against crime.
“By working together, we can create safer communities and public spaces, while ensuring criminals have no place to hide,” she said.
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