MPUMALANGA – The long-awaited crime statistics for Mpumalanga covering the first two quarters of 2024 were released on September 12, 2024.
The data spans the months from January to March and from April to June 2024.
The announcement was made by the Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, alongside Acting Provincial Commissioner for the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi.
The report provided a detailed overview of crime trends, highlighting both areas of concern and successes in reducing crime across the province.
These statistics serve as a vital tool in reflecting on the current state of public safety and guiding future strategies for combating crime in Mpumalanga.
One of the key findings from the report is a notable decrease in carjackings, which dropped by 7.3%, from 356 incidents in the first quarter to 330 in the second quarter.
This reduction is seen as a positive step toward curbing vehicle-related crimes in the region. However, the report also points to an alarming rise in robberies, which saw a 24.3% increase during the same period.
While the statistics reflect these mixed results, the SAPS is determined to tackle the increase in robberies. Police Captain Nkosi stated, “We are working diligently with the commissioner and mayor to ensure that we do everything in our power to capture criminals.” He further added, “We have put other units in place in Nkangala and Ehlanzini.”
Public safety remains a key concern for residents of Mpumalanga, and the release of these statistics will provide insight into the effectiveness of current law enforcement efforts.
The MEC and the SAPS are likely to emphasise a collaborative approach with communities, highlighting the importance of public cooperation in reducing crime rates.
