South Africa

Aggravated robberies such as carjacking increased by almost 5%, in the first three months of 2021, the latest crime statistics have revealed.

Police Minister Bheki Cele has bemoaned the prevalence of violence in South African communities, saying this phenomenon was growing to “unacceptable proportions”.

The scourge of gender-based violence (GBV)  against women and children has once again reared its ugly head in the country’s 2020/21 fourth quarter crime statistics.

The document, released by Police Minister Bheki Cele on Friday, details how 9 518 people were raped between January and March 2021.

Despite this being a 4% decrease compared to the previous reporting period, the Minister said sexual violence meted against women in this country was “simply shameful”.

“Seemingly men and children are not spared,” he said.

While the South African Police Service (SAPS) recorded significant declines in contact crimes, murder and attempted murder increased in this category, Police Minister Bheki Cele has revealed.

Police Minister Bheki Cele has decried the callous murder of 24 police officers in the country in the first three months of 2021.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has started to prepare for the successful implementation of the Forestry Master-plan, which will ensure the creation and sustainability of decent employment, long-term investment, and the transfer of skills and expertise to the next generation.

Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has distanced herself and the department from the individuals who are allegedly promising military veterans houses in her name or the department.

Businesses who were on the verge of retrenching their employees due to the fact that they are struggling to stay afloat will get relief through a strengthened Employer/ Employee Relief Scheme (TERS).

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy has emphasised the importance of protecting natural resources while growing a post-COVID-19 economy.

The Portfolio Committee on Police and the People’s Republic of China Judicial Affairs Committee, have re-emphasised their commitment to bilateralism and multilateralism in the effort to fight crime.