The National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola says the management of the South African Police Service (SAPS) remains steadfast in their commitment to stabilising and reducing serious and violent crime across the country.
“While numbers remain high, it is quite encouraging that we are noting a reduction in the number of murders, rape and sexual offences reported,” Masemola said.
He was speaking at the release of the 3rd Quarterly Crime Statistics in Pretoria earlier today.
Over the past two years, the numbers of murders for the quarter three period (1 October to 31 December) have dropped by 17.6% or 1 359 fewer murders.
He said 1 906 suspects were arrested for murder; 1 725 suspects for attempted murder and 2 382 suspects for rape.
“This is indeed a clear demonstration that we are turning the tide, intentionally and aggressively by heightening police visibility and successfully implementing solution driven crime combatting strategies, with a view of ultimately dismantling organised crime syndicates,” he said.
Masemola said through targeted intelligence driven operations, they have also noted the 14 percent reduction in trio crimes which is carjacking, house and business robberies.
“While we are not out of the woods yet, these small victories and wins must serve as motivation to intensify our fight against crime,” he said.
With regard to the illegal firearms, the SAPS yesterday witnessed the destruction of 13 859 firearms that were confiscated during intelligence driven police operations which brings the total number of firearms destroyed over the past seven years to 305 934.
“As we all know firearms remain a challenge in our communities as most violent crime including murders and robberies are used with the commission of firearms.
“Some of the firearms destroyed were linked to finalised criminal cases such as farm attacks, cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies and crimes against women and children. Others were voluntarily surrendered or handed in during firearm amnesty periods. By destroying these firearms, the men and women in blue prevent them from further circulation,” he said.
Masemola said on a weekly basis, the SAPS seizes no less than 100 illegal firearms during tracing operations, stop-and-searches and other targeted crime combating activities.
“Just last week, nationwide operations led to the recovery of 147 illegal firearms. The previous week was 142 illegal firearms and the week before that was another 119 illegal firearms,” he said.
Masemola pointed out that in an effort to ensure compliance of the Firearms Controls Act, the men and women in blue conducted compliance inspections at more than 3700 licensed firearm dealers and private security company premises across the country.
“In one operation in Middleburg in the province of Mpumalanga, police seized 537 licensed firearms after the owner failed to comply accordingly.
“Legal firearm owners are reminded to urgently comply with the Firearms Control Act and ensure safe storage, authorisation and to account for each and every firearms that they own,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
