- Kraaifontein has experienced an 86.2% increase in its murder rate, making it the seventh-most dangerous place in South Africa.
- The first-quarter crime statistics revealed a total of 54 murders between April and June 2024, up from 29 last year.
- Additionally, significant rises were reported in attempted murders, assaults, and home robberies.
With a staggering increase of 86,2% in the murder rate Kraaifontein is now the seventh-most dangerous place in South Africa.
The murder count skyrocketed according to the first quarter crime statistics released on Friday, reflecting crime numbers between April and June this year.
A total of 54 murders were committed in Kraaifontein during the three-month period compared to 29 for the same quarter last year.
Another sobering truth is that the suburb, with 1 640 counts, is 11th on the national list of the most community reported serious crimes during the first quarter.
Furthermore, 34 attempted murders were reported, 13 more than last year and 121 assaults with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, 28 cases more than last year.
A total of 262 common assaults were reported, 43 common robberies and 42 rapes.
Home robberies increased by more than 100%
In addition, home robberies increased by more than 100% from 15 to 36 cases. Thirteen business robberies were reported, and 11 carjackings, both numbers remaining steady.
However, property crime has shown a 20% decline with 274 cases reported in three months. Albeit still very high in comparison with neighbouring suburbs, 129 home burglaries were reported, compared to last year’s 169.
Fifteen business burglaries were reported, 43 vehicle thefts and 83 thefts from motor vehicles.
Drug related crimes in the suburb remain high as 567 related arrests were made as a result of police action. Moreover, 24 arrests were made for the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition and 24 drunk drivers were arrested.
Chair for Kraaifontein CPF Rob Bisset says the biggest contributing factors to murder in the suburb remains gang activities and shebeens.
Gang activities and shebeens
“This is not good at all. Their needs to be serious intervention with the police. There are not nearly enough boots on the ground and a second police station is urgently needed, something we have requested for years now,” he says.
And to combat property crime more neighbourhood watch patrols are needed.
“We are on a short string and need much more members to join. Private security companies is a great help, but we need the public to be the eyes and ears.”
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde last week expressed deep concern over the crime statistics of the first quarter of the 2024-’25 financial year. In a statement to the media, he said the figures are disappointing and a clear indication that fresh approaches to combating crime will have to be explored and implemented with urgency.
“These statistics as well as the findings of the latest Victims of Crime Survey reflect the reality so many of our residents have to endure daily. This is not lost on us. The figures must shock us into decisive action, where collaboration and partnerships, not cheap politicking, guide us in how best to combat crime in all its forms. While we analyse and digest the data we must also commit to implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which the WCG, City of Cape Town (CoCT) and national government signed, urgently.
MoU signed in Cape Town last week
In terms of this MoU signed in Cape Town last week, the three bodies will from now on work closely together to tackle the scourge of crime in Cape Town.
It will focus on ensuring the police in the Western Cape are adequately resourced, that crime intelligence is shared among stakeholders, and resources are concentrated in areas that require them most.
With the Western Cape accounting for seven out of 10 policing precincts, with the highest murder rate in the country and increases in the murder rate in precincts such as Kraaifontein, Nyanga (65% increase), Philippi East (76,5% increase) and Khayelitsha (44% increase), Winde said a lot of work, dedication and planning will be required. Overall, the Western Cape’s murder rate increased by 27,5% in the fourth quarter of 2023-’24, and by 21,2% in the first quarter of 2024-’25.
He urged all stakeholders to set their political differences aside and work together to make all communities places of safety and economic growth.
“This is why closer cooperation between the provincial government, the national government, the Western Cape, police and municipal law-enforcement efforts are imperative,” he said. “Crime levels can be brought down only if everyone does their part.”
