Police minister Bheki Cele led the preventative crime operation in the Eastern Cape on Saturday. The Eastern Cape has been labeled a “killing valley” after experiencing a series of violent crimes over the past few years.
In December, 2022, alarming crime statistics were made public by Stats SA, revealing that murder in the province increased by over 30% in the second quarter, compared to the first quarter and with attempted murder also increasing by 30%.
The police minister said that the Eastern Cape is now a high priority for the ministry after following a series of violent crimes recently in the province.
On Saturday, Bheki Cele visited areas around the province including Gqeberha, which is now labeled a crime hotspot.
He made his address outside a local shebeen providing his assessment of various areas around the Eastern Cape.
But you know Eastern Cape has become one of the killing valleys whether we start from the Far East of Eastern Cape ..whether you go to Lusikisiki..whether you come to Gqeberha, said the minister of police.
Lirandzu Themba, the police ministry spokesperson said that police have increased their visibility in the province through patrols, stop and search operations, vehicle checkpoints as well as roadblocks.
