EXECUTIVE MAYOR LOBISHE WELCOMES RECENT DEPLOYMENT IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME
Published: March 24, 2025<< BACK TO NEWS
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EXECUTIVE MAYOR LOBISHE WELCOMES RECENT DEPLOYMENT IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME
Nelson Mandela Bay, March 24, 2025 – I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Eastern Cape MEC for Community Safety, Mr Xolile Nqatha and the National Government for their
decisive intervention in deploying 150 Public Order Policing (POP) members, 15 detectives, and crime intelligence officers to strengthen crime-fighting efforts in the region.
This strategic intervention comes at a critical time when the latest crime statistics position Nelson Mandela Bay as a focal point for criminal activity in South Africa. On 12 March 2025,
the MEC for Community Safety, Mr. Xolile Nqatha, released crime statistics for the Eastern Cape. The statistics reflect data from 1st July to 31st December 2024.
For the second quarter of the financial year, the total number of reported serious crimes in Nelson Mandela Bay showed a decrease of 7.1%. Nelson Mandela Bay contributed 23.4% of
the total serious crime cases in the region, with a notable decrease in overall crime cases. The five most problematic police stations for serious crimes in this district were Mount Road, Humewood, and Mthatha.
Notable increases in crime in Nelson Mandela Bay included:
- Attempted murder: +9.0%
- Assault GBH: +3.5%
- Trio crimes: +2.4%
- House robberies: +14.9%
- Aggravating robberies: -3.4%
- Common robberies: -2.4%
- Sexual offences: -6.4%
- Business robberies: -9.1%
For the third quarter of 2024/2025, Nelson Mandela Bay again showed a decrease in reported serious crimes, contributing 22.5% to the total reported cases in the region, which
marked a 13.5% reduction. The district remained a focal point for crime, with significant decreases in common assaults and aggravating robberies.
The most problematic police stations for serious crimes and rape cases in the region remain consistent with the second quarter, underscoring ongoing challenges with law enforcement
in specific areas of the metro.
Additionally, the province has seen a rise in incidents of gang violence and extortion, particularly in areas such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. Community members are living in fear as criminals are determined to disturb the peace of our people.
"The deployment of these additional resources will enhance policing visibility, improve intelligence-led operations, and bolster investigations to ensure that criminals are swiftly brought
to justice. Public safety remains a top priority, and we are confident that this initiative will contribute significantly to restoring law and order in our city”, said Mayor Lobishe.
The newly deployed law enforcement resources will be strategically allocated across key crime hotspots in Nelson Mandela Bay, including:
• KwaZakhele and New Brighton – Areas experiencing high levels of violent
crime and gang-related activity.
• Helenvale and Gelvandale – Notorious for gang violence and drug-related
crimes.
• Central and North End – Addressing increasing incidents of business and
property crimes.
• Motherwell – A growing township with rising crime concerns requiring urgent
intervention.
• Uitenhage and Despatch – Enhancing police visibility to curb criminal
activities affecting these communities.
While we acknowledge and appreciate the efforts taken thus far, we call on President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene directly in addressing the escalating crime crisis in Nelson Mandela Bay. We are initiating a formal petition, spearheaded by Executive Mayor Lobishe urging the President to:
1. Deploy Additional Police Resources – Given the severity of crime in the region, an
increase in law enforcement presence is critical.
2. Enhance Crime Intelligence Capabilities – Strengthening intelligence operations to
dismantle organised crime and gang networks.
3. Invest in Community Safety Programs – Supporting local safety initiatives and
community policing forums.
4. Prioritise Judicial and Correctional System Efficiency – Ensuring that criminals are
prosecuted effectively and that repeat offenders do not return to the streets.
The petition, launched by the Executive Mayor, calls on all residents, businesses, and community leaders to support this urgent appeal to the national government. The Municipality
urges everyone to sign the petition as a united stand against crime.
We remain fully committed to supporting all crime-fighting interventions through collaborative efforts between the Municipality, civil society, residents, businesses, other government entities, law enforcement agencies, private security, and the South African Police Service (SAPS). Strengthening partnerships and ensuring coordinated efforts among all stakeholders
will be crucial in addressing crime effectively and making Nelson Mandela Bay a safer place for all.
The Municipality urges residents to continue working closely with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities and supporting community policing initiatives. A collective effort between law enforcement, government, and the community is essential in winning the fight against crime.
Ends.
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