10 Jan 2019

 Takatokwane police have recorded a decline of 22 per cent of criminal activities for the past year.
According to the released statistical report, the total number of criminal offences recorded for the year 2017 were 998, while the 2018 numbers dropped to 775, a difference of 223.

Despite the rampant rape cases that befell the country during the festive period, Takatokwane area experienced a decline in rape cases for this year.
Statistics reveal that 15 rape cases were recorded in 2017 compared to 12 in 2018.

Speaking in an interview with BOPA, Takatokwane Police Station Commander Superintendent Ocean Maraganyane said they only experienced an increase in cases of store break-ins, theft and attempted robbery, with an increase of 12 cases altogether.

He also expressed concern about the high rate of stock theft in the area, especially in and around the villages of Maboane and Dutlwe.

“In 2017 we recorded 51 stock theft cases, while in 2018 we recorded a total of 58 stock theft cases,” he said.

He highlighted that they recorded one murder case that took place in Maboane.

Superintendent Maraganyane revealed that the case is currently pending before Molepolole Magistrate Court.

He said they recorded three minor assault offences during this festive period and all the offenders were arrested and the cases were currently before the courts.

Meanwhile, he expressed delight towards the KgomoKhumo operation, saying that the anti-stock theft operation had enormously benefited his area, which had previously been hard hit by stock theft.

He said KgomoKhumo was  doing very well in his area as the perpetrators who had been caught were being brought before courts.

He further said that they were currently investigating 21 stock theft cases with three cases pending at the magistrate court, while only two have been tried at customary courts. Enda