High crime areas in Kwazulu-Natal
According to crime statistics from the South African Police Service, more than 600,000 contact crimes were reported between April 2016 and March 2017.
These include murder, sexual offences, attempted murder, common assault, common robbery, and trio crimes.
Although these stats show a slight drop from the previous year, they remain high.
“Yes, we have a 1.8% drop in crime, I do not feel it, and our people do not feel it, and they are correct,” said Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula during his crime statistics for 2016/17 presentation in Parliament.
ALSO READ: Crime Stats: 1.8% decrease in crime overall
Kwazulu- Natal was the leading province when it came to reported sexual offences detected as a result of police action crimes, with many of these crimes taking place in Pietermaritzburg followed by Port Shepstone, Margate, Umbilo, Durban Central, Point and Phoenix. This is according to Crime Stats SA's 2017 report.
The report also states that most of the reported rape crimes in Kwazulu-Natal happened in Inanda followed by Umlazi and Empangeni.
When it came to burglary at non-residential premises, Kwazulu-Natal was still in the lead with the most reported crimes happening in Pinetown and Durban Central. Burglary at residential premises predominantly took place in Empangeni and Mtunzini.
Unfortunately, the province had the highest reported cases of theft of motor vehicle and motorcycle. The leading areas for these crimes were Berea and Durban Central.Theft out of or from motor vehicle mostly happened in Durban Central. Carjacking hotspots included Pinetown.
Kwazulu-Natal was also the leading province when it came to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs with most of these crimes taking place in Durban Central. Nongoma was the leading area when it came to robbery of cash-in-transit vans.
The leading areas for assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm crimes were Umlazi, Inanda and Ntuzuma. Common assault mostly happened in Phoenix, Chatsworth and Plessislaer.
Common robbery mostly took place in Durban Central and robbery with aggravating circumstances mostly took place in Pinetown and Durban Central.
Phoenix recorded the highest amount of drug-related crimes.
When it came to shoplifting, Kwazulu-Natal remains in the top two with the most reported crimes happening in Durban Central, Pietermaritzburg and Kwa Mashu E.
Although one cannot really prevent crime from happening, there are certain things that can be done to try and avoid being a victim.
ALSO READ: Durban Metro Police deployed to crime hotspots this festive season
- Be vigilant at all times.
- Don't walk alone in isolated places.
- Make sure your car is properly locked when leaving it in the parking lot.
- Keep your belongings close to you.
- Don't accept help from strangers at ATMs.
- Don't be too trusting.
- Let your family or friends know where you are.
- Put your belongings in the boot of the car and not on car seats.
- Always make sure your house is locked and your windows are all closed before going to sleep.
Have you been a victim of crime? Share your story with us in the comments section below.