Nyanga murders decrease by 34%

Dear Editor

Despite being considered the murder capital of South Africa for a number of years, over the past four financial years, Nyanga’s murders have fallen by more than a third (34%). The figures in this financial year currently stand at 131 murders. Just 4 years ago, the Western Cape accounted for 10 of the top 30 police stations in terms of murder. Right now, only 8 Western Cape police stations appear on the list.

Over the past decade, the community has been victims of endemic gangsterism and illicit drug trading. As such, the Safety Plan was developed to bolster crimefighting efforts and assist in making communities safer in Western Cape. This is why 85 LEAP officers were deployed to Nyanga and forms part of the 10 Crime Hotspots targeted by our Safety Plan, with further increases planned in the near future. Already, between 24 January and 13 February, 432 arrests were made by LEAP officers for the possession of illegal firearms, drugs and assault.

To better understand the role that the Western Cape Safety Plan can have on combating crime in specific communities, I will be inviting the Department of Community Safety to provide an update on the implementation of the Safety Plan.

While we have seen great improvement, by SAPS and LEAP, we remained concerned about the under-resourcing of the hard-working men and women in blue. Areas such as Delft, Mfuleni and Kraaifontein have remained within the top 30 police stations in terms of murder. The allocation of policing resources must be the top priority of SAPS leadership to keep our communities safe.

The partnership between our LEAP officers and SAPS have made a notable contribution towards the stabilisation of our province’s crime levels. Moreover, this sends a loud and clear message that increased police visibility is working and that our call for additional resources for the Western Cape is the best way in which to protect our communities.

The Western Cape remains the only province in our country to develop a comprehensive Safety Plan to combat the high levels of crime, which is premised on an all-of-society approach. Combining visible policing with crime prevention methods plays a pivotal role in fighting crime in the Western Cape.

Regards

Reagen Allen, MPP
DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Community Safety

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