Muldersdrift Communication Action Group spokesperson, Mike Francisco, recently praised the sentencing of three convicted criminals who victimised the area in 2013.
“Apprehension of the suspects is one thing,” stated Francisco. “But sentencing is another. It gives a very strong message that crime will not be tolerated and supports all the good work the police have been doing over the last 12 months.”
He confirmed that the community was encouraged by the national crime statistics released recently for the area, which revealed a reduction in almost all categories of crime.
“We have seen a decrease in murders and attempted murders, and – encouragingly, a marked decrease in the total number of sexual crimes and assaults. Robberies at residential properties have also decreased,” he said.
He continued to state that there was also a dramatic reduction of 50 per cent in crimes which are heavily dependent on police action for detection, such as unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition and drug-related crimes.
Francisco felt that increased police activity and presence in the area, and the successful apprehension, arrest and sentencing of a number of suspects have contributed to the successes. The most recent of which was the sentencing of the culprits responsible not only for Alyssa Botha’s murder, but also a number of other crimes in the area.
The private security companies operating in the area have also been extremely proactive, as has the growing number of community and block watch forums.
“While we appreciate that crime prevention is an ongoing responsibility, Muldersdrift remains one of Gauteng’s primary tourist and leisure hubs,” he concluded. “With a host of wedding, conference and leisure activities, particularly cycling, it is an exciting and popular destination which needs to be protected.”
