Minister Senzo Mchunu released the latest crime statistics for the third quarter of the 2024-’25 financial year in Pretoria on Friday 21 February. The statistics cover the period from October to December 2024 and provides insights into crime trends in Goodwood.
The data highlights both positive and concerning trends in crime patterns in the Goodwood area.
Under contact crime, crime against the person, a worrying rise in murder cases highlighted the need for stronger law enforcement.
Murder cases increased from 2 in 2023 to 6 in 2024. Whereas, sexual offences dropped significantly, from 18 in 2023 to 8 in 2024.
In addition, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm also saw a major drop, from 27 cases in 2023 to 10 in 2024, a decrease of 63%.
Common assault declined by 22 cases. Common robbery showed a sharp decline, from 91 cases in 2023 to 54 in 2024 and robbery with aggravating circumstances also decreased, dropping by 26 cases.
Overall, contact crimes fell by 108 cases, marking a 34,8% reduction from 2023 to 2024. Under sexual offences, rape cases decreased, from 10 cases reported in 2023 to 4 cases in 2024.
Property-related crimes also saw a decrease by 32 cases as well as serious crimes which decreased by 26 cases.
Community-reported serious crime saw a major decline, dropping by 180 cases going from 896 cases reported in 2023 to 716 in 2024.
Overall, crimes detected through police action increased by 62 cases.
Col Shaun Van Wyk, station commander at Goodwood police attributes the decrease in crime, to “hotspot policing as this is where most of the crime come in on a regular basis,” he says.
Van Wyk is of meaning that inviting the community to join in the Neighbourhood watch strengthen visibility and is a deterent for criminals.
And concludes that hough Goodwood has seen encouraging crime reductions in several key areas, challenges remain. “Partnership policing plays a vital role as the police alone cannot be everywhere at once,” says Van Wyk.
