01 Dec 2013

Jwaneng deputy mayor, Mr Tsietsi Oodira-Kwenje says crime prevention initiatives are slowly bearing fruit as the town has recorded a significant reduction in crime during the months of October and November. 

When addressing a full council meeting recently, Mr Oodira-Kwenje said there was a particular decline in violent and intrusive crimes and murder.

“During the months of October to November 2013, violent and intrusive crimes such as burglary, house breaking, store breaking and robbery recorded a 100 per cent decrease as compared to the same period last year,” he said.

He noted that such a positive development was brought about by initiatives such as police foot patrols, task forces and the introduction of police volunteers. However, Mr Oodira-Kwenje said rape continued to be a huge challenge, as a total of four cases were recorded this year compared to three at the same time last year. 

“This is a high number considering that the statistics are for a period of two months only,” he said. He blamed alcohol and substance abuse for the increase in rape cases, saying most perpetrators committed the crime while under the influence of alcohol.

 The deputy mayor also revealed that no fatalities caused by road accidents were recorded during the period, compared to two last year. He also revealed that between October and November, a total of 109 drivers were charged for over speeding, a decline from 204 cases recorded during the same period last year. 

He attributed the decline to high way patrols and sporadic road blocks. Mr Oodira-Kwenje also raised concern about the high number of marriage wrecking and unlawful dagga possession cases that were reported at the customary courts.

He said such incidents work against the nation’s objective of building a moral and tolerant nation by the year 2016. He also revealed that cases of unlawful possession of dagga usually involve youth aged between 18 and 35, which is a concern because drugs will affect their future prospects. Ends