Environmental design, streetlights exacerbate crime: Dimpane
The bodies of eight women have been found in the Ekurhuleni area in less than two months
Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane has highlighted that issues with environmental design and streetlights contribute to rising crime rates in South Africa. This statement came after the discovery of the eighth body in a river near Tembisa Mall on the East Rand. Similar bodies have been found in other areas including Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Clayville, and Springs within the Ekurhuleni metropolitan area.
Dimpane emphasized that provincial commissioners, in collaboration with provincial governments, are actively addressing these environmental and infrastructural challenges. She stated that multi-disciplinary teams are being deployed alongside ongoing communication with provincial governments to tackle these issues effectively. However, she acknowledged that in some cases, these issues may worsen the risks associated with crime.
The South African Council of Churches (SACC) has expressed deep concern and called for immediate action to protect women in the country. SACC General Secretary Mzwandile Molo lamented the discovery of the bodies of eight women, which has sparked widespread fear and outrage. He pointed out that South Africa experiences over 5,500 women murders annually, translating to more than 15 women killed each day.
Molo called for a collective soul-searching within the nation to address this failure in protecting vulnerable women. He stressed that the country must leverage legal and judicial measures, as well as moral teachings and community safety initiatives, to turn around this disturbing trend of violence and loss of life among women.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
