GEORGE NEWS - The number of assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm (GBH) cases in Thembalethu is the highest reported in George. 

This was revealed on the release of the national Crime Statistics by the police on Tuesday 24 October. 

The statistics show that from April 2015 to March 2016, 314 GBH cases were reported, which increased to 335 in the time April 2016 to March 2017. 

At Conville police station, which includes Lawaaikamp, only 325 cases were reported.

Sexual offences cases have increased slightly by 1,9% (from 104 to 106) since last year. 

Thembalethu has also seen a 35,8% decrease in robbery with aggravating circumstances. Last year 120 cases were reported and this year the numbers decreased to 77.

Attempted murder also decreased to six cases as compared to last year's 18. Murder remained the same on 27 cases. 

Drug-related crimes increased from 403 cases to 435 reported last year.

Western Cape Minister of Community Safety Dan Plato said the prominence of violent crime remains of great concern.

"The fact is that violent crime is highest in areas where the police are most under-resourced. 

"National government has operational control over the Saps and we will continue to advocate for sufficient policing resources, including specialised units to target gangs, guns and drugs," he said.

Plato is also concerned by the statistics that almost a quarter (22,78%) of all crime reported in South Africa occurred in the Western Cape. 

"It is evident that too many people in the province do not have the luxury of feeling safe in their communities."

"I agree with the national Police Minister, Fikile Mbalula, who has expressed his concern about the role of alcohol, drugs and firearms in committing crime," he said.

Plato said that his department will now conduct an in-depth analysis on these crime stats, in order to shed more light on specific trends, crime categories and proposed responses.

ARTICLE: ZOLANI SINXO, IDINGA EDITOR

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