Alarming Surge in Rape Cases Keeps Police Chief Awake at Night

Thohoyandou, once again topping the list of police stations with the highest crime rate in Limpopo and the country, continues to grapple with the distressing title of being the rape capital of the province. The Citizen reports that the alarming trend of rape cases in Thohoyandou has become a cause of concern for Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, the police boss, and Florence Radzilane, the MEC for Transport and Community Safety, who is also the deputy chair for the ANC in Limpopo.

Expressing deep worry about the escalating crime levels in the province, MEC Radzilane highlighted the pressing issue of the growing trend of rape cases during the unveiling of crime statistics for the July to September quarter in Polokwane. The prevalence of Thohoyandou on the list of police stations with the highest crime rate remains a grave concern for law enforcement and community safety.

Also read: Ivory Park Resident Receives Life Sentence for Rape and Kidnapping

Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, during the presentation, emphasised the province’s primary focus on preventing gender-based violence and femicide. The efforts extend to combating aggravated crimes such as carjacking, residential burglaries, business robberies, and cash-in-transit heists. Hadebe outlined comprehensive measures, including intensive operations that arrested 72 suspects for illicit mining and confiscated equipment worth R2.5 million.

Despite the success in reducing murder cases by 11.2%, Hadebe acknowledged ongoing challenges, including vigilantism accounting for 37 cases and 38 murders arising from arguments, misunderstandings, or provocations. The province is actively working to apprehend those responsible, with 149 suspects successfully arrested for committing murder.

The crime statistics for Limpopo between July and September revealed a concerning picture, with year-on-year increases in attempted murders, sexual offences, common assault, and commercial crime. These figures reflect the urgent need for sustained efforts to address crime and enhance community safety in the province.

Also read:

Global Call Against Gender-Based Violence: 16 Days of Activism Focus

Picture: Unsplash / Markus Spiske

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