While crime in general has dropped in the Ocean View policing precinct, rape and sexual assault have increased with gender based violence (GBV) remaining a “big problem”.
The disturbing details were revealed by the police at a community safety meeting on Thursday 17 March at Ocean View Multipurpose Centre.
Capt Charl Muller, lead detective at the station, said for the 2021/2022 financial year murder and attempted murder cases were reduced.
“We want more visibility. Stats for the financial year April to April murder and attempted murder came down. We had seven murders and seven attempted murders.
“The major problem we have is the assault against women and children.”
He added, however, that women often open assault cases against only to withdraw them at a later stage.
“Women will make a case at the police station, the guys are immediately arrested. He goes to court and then she feels sorry for him and withdraws the case.
“That is out of our hands. Three weeks later, the same thing happens. You as the community need to decide. Do you want to be beaten up?”
Muller added that rape and sexual assault increased in Masiphumelele and Ocean View. “The rest of crime was brought down. Metro police, the community, police and everyone is playing a role in arresting people. The biggest problem, however, is that people are withdrawing cases. It is a two-way street. You must help us fight crime.”
Capt Nick Spreeth, head of visible policing at the station, highlighted the shortage of resources as a challenge facing the station.
“Ocean View only has two vehicles and it is a big area to cover. Masiphumelele alone has 60 000 people with two vans and two people. We are struggling with manpower, there is nothing we can do about it.”
According to police, 20 000 litres of alcohol were removed from illegal shebeens, 482 Mandrax tables were confiscated, 130 tik packets, around 4kg of dagga and 15 g of cocaine taken off the streets during this time.
Spreeth further added that closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras assisted with identifying and arresting suspects.
“There are cameras in Ocean View which is the best thing to happen in the area. Because of CCTV cameras (which are 24/7) we have managed to identify, arrest and put people in prison.
“There is only one van in Masiphumelele and one van in Ocean View, we can’t be every place at once.”
Spreeth added that counterfeit goods are also becoming a problem in the area. “Counterfeit goods are a problem. For example, there was roll-on made of paraffin and it was sold. People had boils under their arms because of the paraffin sold in the roll-on. Reducing crime is something we all need to shoulder.”
Ocean View Station Commander Col Monwabisi Buzwayo said there is a shortage of staff and equipment. “Shortage of resources is everywhere. Crime in general decreased, but we can’t fool ourselves when it comes to gangs.”
He also hailed the CCTV cameras for assisting in their crime efforts.
“Theft of copper is a concern, sometimes our phones don’t work because of copper theft. Our car batteries were stolen almost every second night and people do not understand when they call and see the two vans parked, but it has no batteries. Thanks to all the cameras, the theft has stopped after we caught one person.”
Ward 61 councillor Simon Liell-Cock said safety is the biggest problem which is why the Leap (Law Enforcement Advancement Plan) project was started and that more Leap officers were needed.
“There were Leap officers allocated and we needed more but then Covid occurred and we did not receive more.”
