GEORGE NEWS - The recent quarterly crime statistics (October to December 2024) for George, Thembalethu, Conville, and Pacaltsdorp reveal both positive and concerning trends. Although it would seem that cases of assault have decreased in some areas, the amount of sexual offences and gender-based violence remains a big problem - especially in Thembalethu.
Thembalethu recorded a drop in murder cases from 13 to 9 and GBH assaults by 32, but rape cases surged from 23 to 34.
Common robbery saw a sharp increase, rising from 8 to 31 cases, while residential burglaries also climbed.
George showed some improvement, with common assault falling by 36.7% and non-residential burglaries dropping by 50%. However, attempted murder and sexual assault saw slight increases. Rape cases declined from 12 to 8. Sexual assault went from zero cases in the same period in 2023 to eight in 2024.
Conville experienced a slight rise in murders and a 19.3% increase in GBH assaults. While common robbery dropped, aggravated robbery rose by 22 cases. Residential burglaries nearly doubled, and rape cases increased to 17.
Pacaltsdorp saw reductions in GBH assaults and attempted murders, but common assault and robbery increased. Residential burglaries rose slightly, while rape cases fell from 10 to 6.
Overall, crime in George reflects national trends, with some reductions in violent crime but ongoing concerns about sexual offences and property crimes.
The Western Cape remains one of the most violent provinces in the country, with the Cape Flats in particular resembling a war zone where communities live under siege.
Since 2020, the province’s per capita murder rate has remained at 16 per 100 000 people, the second highest in the country, underscoring the failure of both SAPS and the government to curb gang-related violence, drug-related crime, and organised syndicates.
Download the latest crime statistics below:
Read more about this in Thursday's George Herald and online.
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