Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor
By Nkosana Khumalo
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, has commended the Eastern Cape MEC for Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, and national government for the swift and decisive intervention in deploying additional police resources to strengthen crime-fighting efforts in the region.
This follows the deployment of 150 public order police members, including 15 detectives and crime intelligence officers, who arrived in the metro on Sunday to provide crucial support to local law enforcement.
In a statement issued on Monday, Mayor Lobishe described the intervention as timely and necessary, given the alarming crime trends currently plaguing the metro.
“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 Lobishe.
⸻
Targeted Crime Hotspots to Receive Immediate Support
The newly deployed officers will be strategically stationed in key crime hotspots, including:
• KwaZakhele
• New Brighton
• Helenvale
• Gelvandale
• Central and North End
• Motherwell
• Uitenhage
• Despatch
These areas have consistently reported high levels of violent and organised crime, including gang activity, extortion, and serious assaults.
⸻
Crime Stats Show Persistent Challenges
On 12 March 2025, MEC Nqatha released the Eastern Cape’s latest crime statistics, revealing that Nelson Mandela Bay remains a focal point for criminal activity in the province.
While there was a 7.1% decrease in serious crimes in the second quarter, the region still accounted for 23.4% of the province’s total serious crime cases.
Key increases in criminal offences included:
• Attempted murder: +9.0%
• Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm: +3.5%
• Trio crimes (carjacking, house and business robbery): +2.4%
• House robbery: +14.9%
However, some categories showed improvement, with decreases reported in:
• Aggravating robberies: -3.4%
• Common robberies: -2.4%
• Sexual offences: -6.4%
• Business robberies: -9.1%
⸻
Third Quarter Trends and Ongoing Gang Activity
For the third quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year, the metro recorded a 13.5% reduction in serious crimes, yet still represented 22.5% of the province’s total crime reports.
Mayor Lobishe acknowledged these improvements but stressed that persistent hotspots and consistent crime trends highlight the need for enhanced law enforcement.
“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,” she said.
⸻
Rising Gang Violence and Public Fear
The Mayor also noted a worrying surge in gang violence and extortion, particularly in metro areas, leaving many residents living in fear.
“Community members are living in fear, as criminals are determined to disturb the peace of our people,” Lobishe stated.
She reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to working closely with national and provincial authorities to restore safety and confidence in the justice system.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 98 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Fezile Dabi Mayor Khasudi: ‘The Boreholes Exist, and the DA is Delivering for Residents”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Central-News-Issue-098.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube