OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Thursday 9.00pm.
POLICE on Thursday revealed evidence that crime in Johannesburg is being reduced and the police force becoming more effective.
Nationally, the numbers of cash-in-transit heists and bank robberies dropped nearly 50% in the period January to July 1998 from the same period in 1997. Cash heists were down 57,8% and bank robberies down 45,7%, according to Safety and Security Minister Sydney Mufamadi.
He ascribed the successes to improved police intelligence, revealing that on Thursday morning that two attempted heists were foiled in Germiston and Welkom, leading to at least 13 arrests while one criminal was shot dead by police.
Unfortunately for neighbouring countries, criminals are now refocusing on them.
Special investigation unit head Director Bushie Engelbrecht said he believes most of the leading cash-in-transit robbers are behind bars, while more inept copycat gangs are now trying their luck.
Also on Thursday, National Police Commissioner George Fivaz said a Johannesburg project intended to make the city a model for national policing was instituted in April and is already showing results.
Gauteng police commissioner Sharma Maharaj said 99% more cases are going to court, while detectives’ arrest rate is up 57%. Absenteeism is down, more policemen are available, and detective work has improved.
The number of serious crimes reported in Johannesburg in the first half of the year was down 4000 from 1997’s 85000. Vehicle hijacking in Rosebank and Randburg is down 66% and 68% respectively, while in the north-eastern sub-area a crime prevention reaction unit has reduced hijacking by 38%.
Employing civilians and security guards has helped to free 321 police from non-core duties. The flying squad now has an average of nine vehicles per shift from a previous three. Victim empowerment projects at Rosebank and Alexandra police stations have a psychologist helping victims.