The latest crime stats from the South African Police Service (SAPS) have revealed the most dangerous suburbs in Pretoria, ranking among the top 30 most crime-ridden areas in the country. These suburbs report alarming rates of serious crimes, including rape, robbery, sexual assault, and murder.
Latest Crime Stats: Pretoria Among South Africa’s Most Dangerous Areas
Last week, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu released the third quarter crime statistics for the period between October 1 and December 31, 2024. The report highlights persistent crime challenges across four provinces: Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Eastern Cape, and Western Cape.
According to the latest crime stats, an average of 75.5 people were murdered daily in South Africa during this period. While still alarmingly high, this figure represents a slight decrease compared to the same quarter in the previous financial year. Additionally, 128 rape cases were recorded daily, emphasizing the continued struggle against violent crimes.
Within Pretoria, the following suburbs have emerged as the most dangerous, recording high levels of serious offenses:
1. Akasia
Akasia has been flagged as one of the most dangerous suburbs in Pretoria, with a high prevalence of violent and property-related crimes. Key offenses include:
- Kidnapping
- Contact crimes (murder, attempted murder, and assault)
- Common assault
- Robbery with aggravating circumstances
- Property-related crimes
- Theft of motor vehicles
- Malicious damage to property
2. Mamelodi East
Mamelodi East remains a hotspot for violent crimes, particularly sexual offenses and gender-based violence. Key crimes recorded in this area include:
- Rape
- Sexual offences and sexual assault
- Common assault
- Robbery with aggravating circumstances
- Assault GBV (Gender-Based Violence)
- Property-related crimes
- Trio crimes (carjackings, robbery at residential and non-residential premises)
- Theft of motor vehicles
- Malicious damage to property
3. Temba
Temba has also ranked among the most dangerous suburbs in Pretoria, reporting a high incidence of serious crimes. These include:
- Rape
- Sexual offences and sexual assault
- Common assault
- House break-ins
- Robbery with aggravating circumstances
- Property-related crimes
- Trio crimes (carjackings, robbery at residential and non-residential premises)
- Theft of motor vehicles
- Malicious damage to property
Police Response to Rising Crime in Pretoria
Despite the slight decline in some categories, Minister Mchunu emphasized that more needs to be done to combat crime in South Africa.
“We are positioning ourselves accordingly in terms of policing while we continue our work throughout the whole country,” Mchunu stated.
While contact crimes against women have seen a reduction, police remain deeply concerned about the rise in attempted murder cases involving children aged 0 to 17 years. The police minister has called for urgent interventions to protect South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens.
The Growing Threat of Kidnappings and Extortion
Another key concern raised in the latest crime stats is the increase in kidnappings, extortion, and drug-related crimes. Authorities have flagged St Albans prison in the Eastern Cape as a suspected base for orchestrating kidnappings, with criminal masterminds having access to multiple cellphones from within the prison.
Encouraging Signs: Decline in Some Crime Categories
While Pretoria continues to face serious crime challenges, there are some positive trends in the latest crime stats:
- A 3.3% reduction in rape cases
- A 3.2% drop in attempted sexual offences
- A decline in carjackings and robberies at both residential and non-residential premises
The most dangerous suburbs in Pretoria—Akasia, Mamelodi East, and Temba—continue to experience high crime rates, with rape, robbery, and violent assaults being prevalent. While the latest crime stats indicate a decline in some categories, police stress that more needs to be done to combat crime and ensure the safety of residents.
Authorities are focusing on strengthening policing strategies, tackling extortion and kidnappings, and protecting vulnerable citizens. However, residents must remain vigilant and work with law enforcement to improve safety in their communities.
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