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State of the Environment

 About the CMA
Safety and Security 
Issue statement issue
The CMA is experiencing an increase in incidence of serious crime. This trend is particularly troubling given the unacceptably high rate of crime that already exists.
What pressures are causing changes in the environment?pressure
High unemployment and extreme poverty is contributing to the high rate of crime (see Economy). The situation is compounded by low quality of life among sectors of the urban population.

Gangsterism has been shown to be a significant aspect of crime in the CMA. Gang activity and conflict is often linked to drug trafficking.

The justice system is over loaded and under resourced and thus unable to cope with the backlog of criminal cases.

The South African Police Service’s (SAPS) efforts to combat crime in the CMA are undermined by the inadequate resource allocation.

Homelessness and vulnerability, especially among street children, has contributed to high rate of attacks on tourists and car break-ins.

 
What is the state of the environment?state
Violent crime including murder and attempted murder accounts for 5% of total crime and is on the increase.

Property related crime and social fabric crime comprise 63% and 21% of all crime respectively. Whereas property related crimes are more prevalent in certain areas, social fabric crime is evenly spread across the CMA.

Drug related crimes account for 3% of total crime and has a higher incidence rate in the central and southern areas of the CMA.

There has been an increase in gang-related conflict and crime.

There has been a sharp rise in the incidence of vehicle theft, which accounts for 7% of total crime.

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of private security companies, employing armed response units.

 
Year One Indicatorsindicator
The following indicators are monitored by the South African Police Services:
  • Incidence of violent crime (murder, attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances).
  • Incidence of property related crime (all forms of burglary and theft, including stock theft and car theft).
  • Incidence of social fabric crimes (rape, assault causing grievous bodily harm and common assault).
  • Vehicle theft (including car-jacking).

See a summary of all Indicators on this website

 
What responses are we giving to the problem?response
The following response is underway by the CMC:
  • An element of the corporate vision is to achieve low incidence of crime in the next ten years.

Additional responses underway:

  • The SAPS has a number of initiatives currently underway, aimed at addressing various forms of crime, these include:
  • Operation Recoil, focusing on violent crime, and drug - related crimes;
  • Operation Good Hope, focussing on urban terrorism;
  • Gang Investigation Unit focuses on reducing gang-related crimes; and,
  • Joint initiatives involving the SAPS and the Defence Force focusing on specific areas particularly in the Eastern Metropole.
  • The City of Cape Town has initiated a Business Against Crime Campaign in the Central Business District.
  • The Multi-Agency Delivery Action Mechanism structure at PAWC, focussing on the integration and co-ordination of safety and security activities on a provincial wide basis, including the CMA.
  • The implementation of a single emergency number telephone service for the CMA including emergency call points in informal settlement areas where telephones are lacking.

 
What can you do about it?you
  • Report incidents of crime at your local police station.
  • Become a member of your neighbourhood watch.
  • Install safety and security devices in your premises.
  • Avoid dark or poorly lit areas and walking alone at night.
  • Do a course in self-defence.
  • Keep your firearm in a safe place.