Makhanda, Port Alfred in EC’s home burglaries top 30 list

Makhanda police stations are among the top 30 in the province for community reported crimes, with 584 incidents reported from July to September this year.

Makhanda was also among the top 30 for contact crimes, with 182 cases reported during this period; as well as robbery at residential premises (seven during this period).

It also made the list for burglaries at residential premises (Grahamstown station was seventh in the province with 85 cases, while Joza station reported 47); theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles (five); and theft from motor vehicles (53).

Port Alfred was 28th on the list for burglaries at residential premises, with 44 cases reported during this period.

Across the Eastern Cape, six attacks on farming and rural communities were reported, compared to 13 in the same period last year.

Also across the province, the use of alcohol was confirmed in 530 assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) cases, 147 cases of rape, 57 murders and 35 attempted murders.

A shocking 381 murders and 1,828 cases of assault GBH took place in the residences of the perpetrator or victim, family, friends or neighbours.

The next most common place for contact crimes (murder, attempted murder, assault GBH) were public places such as streets, open areas, beaches, parking areas or abandoned buildings.

Across the province, the vehicles most often hijacked were sedans/hatchbacks, followed by bakkies or panel vans, SUVs, station wagons and minibuses.

Most stock theft was of sheep (508, or 48% in this period), followed by cattle and goats.