Crime stats: Carjacking spikes 80% in Mamelodi
The fourth quarter crime statistics released by the police minister indicate that Mamelodi East police station is ranked in position 2 for carjacking on May 23.
Minister Senzo Mchunu announced the country's crime numbers for the fourth quarter of 2024/25, from January to March.
Carjacking cases reported to Mamelodi East police increased by 29 this quarter, but declined by five for Mamelodi West police.
Property-related crime in Mamelodi East remains a serious concern, as the number of reported cases increased by 27, but there was a decrease of 27 in the number reported to Mamelodi West police.
Crimes detected as a result of police action increased by 32% in Mamelodi East.
The stats revealed that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs increased by 20 cases and by 13 in Mamelodi West.
The good news is rape crimes in Mamelodi East, which were a serious concern, have decreased by 14, but increased by seven in Mamelodi West.
Property-related crime is very alarming in Mamelodi East, with a 24.5 % increase, while Mamelodi West reported a 27% decrease.
Mchunu said the crime statistics are based on crimes that are reported, and 'we see a decline in various categories'.
'We note that there is more crime in terms of daily lived experience and a feeling of vulnerability.'
He said it is for this reason that they are adjusting their methods of fighting crime and adapting to the new trends and threats out there.
Turning to the fourth quarter statistics, Mchunu said, as with previous quarters, they are seeing significant decreases in most crime categories when compared to the same period in the preceding year (1 January to 31 March 2024).
'While we have not yet reached our ultimate goals, these figures confirm that we are indeed making significant progress.'
The National Policing Policy aims to, among others, strengthen police service delivery to communities by ensuring professionalism and efficiencies in policing. It is supported by the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy, which seeks to address crime and violence at its root cause.
He said currently, there are 5 500 trainees at the various SAPS Academies; passing out parades will be in August and November.
Mchunu urged the public to exercise caution when consuming and sharing information, especially on social media platforms, where old or recycled news stories are often circulated to create panic.
'These outdated reports can give the false impression that crime is spiralling out of control, when in fact they do not reflect the current reality,' he said.
He concluded that for accurate and timely updates on incidents, rely on official SAPS communication channels.
'We remain committed to keeping communities informed and safe at all times.'
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