Murder Capital of South Africa: Nelson Mandela Bay Under Siege as Crime Spirals Out of Control

South Africa’s most violent city is now in the national spotlight, and not for the right reasons. Nelson Mandela Bay, located in the Eastern Cape, has been dubbed the country’s murder capital as it battles an overwhelming surge in crime.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Stats SA, the metro currently has a murder rate of 70.8 per 100,000 people, the highest in the country. Globally, it ranks 14th among the 50 most violent cities in the world, based on an international report by the Mexican Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice.

The statistics are grim—and the effects, devastating. Violent crimes, gang activity, extortion, and kidnappings are wreaking havoc in communities, and threatening both livelihoods and lives.

Police Minister Steps In

In response, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu recently visited Nelson Mandela Bay to engage with key stakeholders, from business leaders to community and religious groups. His goal: to forge strategic interventions that can stem the tide of criminal activity.

“The safety of communities is non-negotiable,” Mchunu declared during his visit, underscoring government’s intention to take swift action.

But for many residents, it can’t come fast enough.

Criminal Syndicates Tighten Their Grip

Extortion is one of the most rapidly growing threats in the region. Business owners have been targeted through intimidation, kidnappings, and violence. According to the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, many companies are now reconsidering their investments in the area due to safety concerns.

Even places of worship have not been spared. In a shocking incident, a visiting U.S. pastor was kidnapped and held for ransom, adding to the community’s growing sense of fear and helplessness.

Foreign nationals—particularly Chinese and Pakistani businesspeople—have also been specifically targeted in a spate of recent kidnappings.

Eastern Cape’s Bleak Stats

The broader Eastern Cape province fares no better. It currently tops South Africa in both rape and murder rates, and also leads in attempted sexual offences and stock theft. The province’s murder rate of 70.8 far exceeds that of Cape Town (70.2) and Durban (53.4).

Even Buffalo City (East London) has now joined the global list of most violent cities, with a murder rate of 60.2 per 100,000.

With crime rates so high, investor confidence in the region is plummeting—a major concern for a province already battling high poverty and unemployment.

Business and Community Leaders Call for Action

Denise van Huyssteen, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, said the situation is untenable.

“High unemployment contributes to crime, yes. But we cannot accept poor policing as an excuse. The SAPS must allocate more resources, or the region will face further economic decline,” she said.

Minister Mchunu echoed the urgency of the situation and vowed to consider the proposals put forth by the Chamber and other stakeholders.

A Turning Point for the Metro?

With public safety at stake, the pressure is now on national and provincial authorities to act swiftly and decisively.

As Nelson Mandela Bay grapples with being labelled South Africa’s murder capital, its residents and businesses alike are demanding more than just words—they want action, and they want it now.

{Source BusinessTech}

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