Cape Town’s Crime Crisis: Why Is Tshwane Taking Advice From the Most Dangerous Metro?

GOOD Statement by Sarah Mabotsa, GOOD Tshwane Municipality Councillor:

In addressing the scourge of GBVF and crime, we must not be blind to the hard facts. There is no denying that South Africa has a great deal of challenges when it comes to both public safety and safety in the home.

Between January and March this year, 4,890 men and 837 women were murdered in South Africa.

Women are being killed by men because they are women … and boys are being killed while trying to become men. The cycle of violence must stop.

I appeal to everyone everywhere, speak up and help when you know of abuse happening in your family or community.

Anyone can call the toll-free gender violence line on 0800 150 150 or go to lifelinesa.co.za to chat to a Lifeline counsellor.

It is true we have a crime challenge in South Africa, but some parts of the country are worse than others.

In Tshwane, 58 sexual offences per 100,000 residents were reported last year, whereas in Cape Town, that number is 96.

In Tshwane, 22 murders per 100,000 residents occurred last year, whereas in Cape Town, 70 murders per 100,000 residents were committed.

It is therefore crazy that the DA in Tshwane invited and hosted Cape Town’s Councillor JP Smith, who is responsible for public safety in Cape Town, to come to Tshwane to advise the capital city on how to make our city safer.

Cape Town’s example of community safety has resulted in a sexual assault rate nearly double and a murder rate that is more than triple Tshwane’s. More sexual assault and murder might be what the DA Councillor Brink wants, but I do not.

In Tshwane, our multi-party coalition government is implementing real solutions and sharing real crime reductions. For example, we are fixing street and mast lights and clearing overgrown areas to make public spaces safer. This year, for the first time in many years, Tshwane is also employing new police officers. And the results are real. The data from the SAPS has shown that Tshwane crime rates in almost every measured category of crime have dropped this year.

I recommend that the DA in Tshwane, which the SA cities Network report had confirmed is South Africa’s safest metro, rather than send a delegation to Cape Town, which is South Africa’s most dangerous large metro, so that Tshwane leaders can help Cape Town to make all neighbourhoods, not just white neighbourhoods, safer.

Let’s look at real, proven solutions to keep each other safe and help and protect those who need our help.

Media Enquiries: media@forgood.org.za

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