Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
17 June 2023 | 17:26 CAT

Image: eNCA

The Gauteng Portfolio Committee on community safety says it is pleased with reducing some serious crime incidents in Gauteng. Gauteng police commissioner Lt-General Elias Mawela in presenting the crime figures that occurred in the province from the 1st of January to the end of March hailed Gauteng crime figures as offering a ray of hope.

Mawela said that Gauteng’s contribution towards the national figure would always remain high, considering the characteristics and profile of the province. He said it was mainly because Gauteng continued to be the most populated province, according to Stats SA.

Gauteng contributed 27.2% to the national overall crime statistics for the fourth quarter of the 2022/23 financial year.

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety chairperson, Dr Bandile Masuku, spoke to Radio Islam International. While there is a worrying trend of Gauteng remaining the most significant contributor to the crime stats, Dr Masuki said decreasing results over the past five years is pleasing.

A slight decrease can be seen in the categories of crime, which include armed robbery, sexual and common assault.

Meanwhile, gender-based violence has been of grave concern as it did not seem as if the police could get a handle on preventing the war that is being raged against women and children.

According to Dr Masuki, interventions that have been in place through gbvf brigades put together by the community safety departments can be commended, along with community public awareness.

The areas of concern highlighted in the latest crime statistics include the number of firearms still in circulation.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie.