Picture: The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Roads, Community Safety and Transport Management, Mmoloki Cwaile/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
High levels of crime continue to have a negative impact on the economy and livelihoods of many people in the North West. According to the statistics, the province has experienced an alarming increase of 4.8 % in the crime incidents between January and March 2023 when compared to January to March 2022 making up all forms of crime reported to hit 24 134.
The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Roads, Community Safety and Transport Management, Mmoloki Cwaile said amongst others, there is an increasing number of crime incidents of residential robberies affecting community members at their homes, where they should feel safer.
“The report shows an increase in the total number of domestic violence. The criminal cases are standing at 1 733. Cases related to domestic violence are about 1 339. Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) is happening at an unprecedented rate.
“The committee wishes to encourage men to desist from pursuing crimes against women and children. The North West province’s Capital City based Mmabatho Police Station, has recorded the highest number of sexual related crimes,” he said.
Cwaile further said there is also an increase of incidents regarding child neglect and ill-treatment. He added that they call for the villages to take care of their children and that neighbours, activists and civil society organisations should do more in combating crimes and complement the work of the police.
“The abuse of alcohol remains one other factor that exacerbates the violence incidents and cannot be left unchallenged. The full implementation of the National Drug Master plan needs to be taken to a logical conclusion. The abuse of alcohol and drugs must be counteracted and all role players must do their part. It is a societal problem and all of us must play a role.
“The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management reported that, a considerable number of cases resulted from the abuse of alcohol by both the victims and perpetrators and that the occurrence of those incidents happened at the alcohol selling premises like taverns,” said Cwaile.
He said it is obvious that the licences for liquor outlets should impose the responsibility on the part of the owners and traders to exercise, including provision of security for protection of users of their services. Cwaile said the committee directs that the hotspots be given more attention and more resources should be deployed to mitigate and terminate high risks identified.
“This also requires intelligence driven interventions and responses. In terms of districts, most crime incidents were in Bojanala Platinum with a total contribution of 41.6%, followed by Dr Kenneth Kaunda with 25.5%, Ngaka Modiri Molema with 22.2% and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati with 10.6%.
“We call on the police to respond swiftly and promptly to crime being reported. Also improved communication and feedback mechanisms are necessary when dealing with the victims. The police stations must become the first point of entry into available government services to serve and support the victims of crime,” said Cwaile.
He said they will engage the civilian secretariat in seeking the review of approaches and strategy of police geared at combating stock theft, farming community-based crimes and rural policing.
TaungDailyNews 