Crime stats show drop in murders in Lim

PROVINCIAL Police Commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe announced major progress in crime reduction across Limpopo, following the release of the fourth quarter crime statistics. Hadebe presented the figures during a media briefing at the Landbank building in Polokwane recently.

- Lizette Venter

According to the latest data, Limpopo recorded a 26% year-on-year drop in murder cases, giving the province the lowest murder rate nationally, currently standing at 3.0 per 100 000 population. Key crime reductions: Hadebe noted a substantial decrease in contact crimes compared to the same period last year:

• Attempted murder: down 11%.

• Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm: decreased by 16%.

• Common robbery: declined by 8.2%.

• Aggravated robbery: reduced by 20.2%.

• Carjackings: 42 fewer reported cases.

• Robbery at residential premises, however, increased by 12.1% during the same reporting period.