A total of 1 304 people were murdered across the
Eastern Cape in a period of three months, according to the latest provincial
crime statistics released by the South African Police Service provincial top
brass today, March 11.
The latest crime statistics cover the period from
October to December 2021 which forms the third quarter of the current 2021/2022
financial year.
The latest record of murders also shows an 8.3% increase in murders in the province, compared to the same period the previous
year.
Mthatha Central Police Station and Lusikisiki Police
Station occupy the first and second spots respectively in Eastern Cape police
stations that recorded the most murder cases for the third quarter of the
current financial year.
Mthatha Central recorded 44 murder cases, while
Lusikisiki recorded one less case at 43.
The two police stations also rank in the top 20 of
police stations with most murder cases recorded nationally with Mthatha at number 14 and Lusikisiki occupying number 17.
The two police stations also recorded the most cases
of rape for the reporting period with Lusikisiki on top with 92 reported cases, followed by Mthatha Central Police Station with 62.
Lusikisiki is also occupying the top spot nationally
on rape cases.
Eastern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General
Nomthetheli Mene, conceded that the recorded increases in serious crimes such as
murder, attempted murder and rape were concerning.
