LIMPOPO RELEASES THE 1ST QUARTER CRIME STATISTICS 2024/2025
POLOKWANE The South African Police Service in Limpopo has made significant strides in reducing crime, with a notable 3.3% per capita of 100,000 population in murder cases, making it the safest province in South Africa. This achievement is attributed to the tireless efforts of the members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The announcement was made by the Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant, General Thembi Hadebe, who was joined by the MEC for Transport and Community Safety Ms. Violet Mathye.
In attendance were also Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Community Safety, Honourable Kedibone Lebea, HOD for Transport and Community Safety, Mr. Steve Matjena, Chief Director of Transport and Regulations. Ms Jane Mulaudzi, SAPS top management, the leadership of Organised Labour Unions within Police Services. The Chairperson of the CPF, Mr. Frans Kgasago, the Chairperson of the Youth, Mr. Kabelo Machethe and the members of the Media.
The Provincial Commissioner before her presentation, commended the continued efforts of the men and women in blue in their endevours to fighting crime, as well initiatives to educate the communities of the impact of engaging in mob justice. She highlighted the serious issue of vigilante justice that continues to plague society and undermines the rule of law and stressed that it will be addressed at every opportunity, including all other crime categories such as borderline, drug-related, gender-based violence etc.
Key Highlights of Limpopo’s Crime Statistics:
- A 3.8% decrease in rape cases and a 6.0% decline in sexual offenses have been reported.
- A 9.8% increase in crimes detected as a result of police interventions, with significant rises in illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, drug-related offenses, and driving under the influence.
- 6,883 undocumented foreign nationals arrested, 117 for murder, 83 for attempted murder, 158 for rape, and 1,429 for drug-related offenses.
- Confiscation of drugs valued at 2 billion rand from a clandestine drug lab in Groblersdal and interception of vehicles worth millions of rand en route to be smuggled out of the country.
- Recovery of 248 firearms and 1 736 rounds of ammunition
- Arrest of 6 883 undocumented foreign nationals
- 604 for malicious damage to property
- 21 for stock theft
- 91 for fraud and 514 for theft’s
The MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms. Violet Mathye, commended the Provincial Commissioner and her team for their efforts in creating safer communities. “The government has taken a “no-nonsense’ approach towards crime, with interventions aimed at reducing cross-border crime and corruption.”
