Kraaifontein records 15% increase in murder - crime stats

Six more people were killed in Kraaifontein in the first three months of this year as compared to the same period last year.

This is according to crime statistics released by police today, Friday May 23. The reporting period covered from the beginning of January until the end of March.

Murder cases were 15% up from 39 cases in the same reporting period last year, to 45 cases this year. Kraaifontein was in the top five in the province and number nine in the country for murder.

The policing precinct was number three in the province and number 18 in the country for rape cases. These cases dropped 2% from 46 cases last year to 45 cases this year.

Malicious damage to property was a major crime plaguing Kuils River, even though cases dropped 4% from 106 cases last year to 102 cases this year.

In Brackenfell, shoplifting decreased by 14% from 70 cases last year to 50 cases this year.

Common robbery decreased 4% from 71 cases last year to 68 cases this year in Goodwood. Theft out of or from motor vehicles decreased by 12% from 123 cases last year to 108 cases this year in this policing area.

Theft out of or from motor vehicles increased by 8% in the Parow policing areas, from 119 cases last year to 128 cases this year.

Common robberies remained a significant issue in Bellville, having increased 5% from 67 cases last year to 70 cases this year, while theft out of or from motor vehicle cases increased by 9% from 169 cases last to 184 cases this year.

Theft out of or from motor vehicles increased in Durbanville from 127 cases last year to 142 cases this year.

Police minister Senzo Mchunu said firearms remain the most frequently used instruments to commit murder, followed by knives. 

“One of our stated priorities is the reduction of illegal firearms and the tightening of control over legally owned firearms. In the quarter under review, 4 023 cases of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition were registered — a 2.7% increase compared to the same period last year,” he said.

Police destroyed 16 049 firearms in February this year, he said, adding that 1641 illegal firearms and 24 288 rounds of ammunition were seized during this reporting period.