News Release On Latest Spree Of Public Violence And Killings

PFTC News Release Regarding Public Violence And Killings

By The South African Professional Firearm Trainers Council

 

JOHANNESBURG, 14 February 2023 – With the recent killing of music rapper “AKA” and Activist Ayob Mungalee as well as other members of the community the PFTC deemed it necessary to communicate a short view on this, based on the comments and media reports currently circulating on social media.

It is not GUN violence. It is a PEOPLE violence problem, PERIOD!

People die from all sorts of violent crime. We should stop vilifying firearms when people die from being killed, using this tool, called a “firearm”.

We have knife stabbings, people being stoned to death, car accidents, poisoned, etc. You do not say “brick violence” or “knife violence” when people are killed using these tools.

All of these are tools used in the performance of these acts. Individuals’ criminal minds, hands and bad intentions are committing these horrible crimes. We should not, and dare not, blame, or put a microscope on the tool.

The PFTC is still committed and dedicated in assisting the South African Police Services (SAPS) and all other role-players or partners in our efforts to fight and condemn violent crime. We furthermore will continue to deal with the unscrupulous, small minority of unaccredited Training Providers and individuals that are not registered.

I would like to thank you for your continued support by being a responsible gun owner and law-abiding citizen. Let us continue to be responsible Trainers of people using this tool called a “Firearm” – with ethics, quality, pride, dignity, and professionalism.

Let us strive to take hands to address our Nationwide problem, rather than to blame the tool instead of the criminal fool.

5 Top-Rated Handguns for Home Security and Self-Defence

5 Top-Rated Handguns for Home Security and Self-Defence

Personal Safety Explored

 

By Linda Williams

Here are 5 top-rated handguns for home security and self-defence because home burglaries and invasions are the largest crime contributor in the country.

Visit PFTC’s News Blog page for more relevant articles.

 

According to recent studies, a U.S. home is burglarized every 26 seconds in the United States, resulting in more than 3,000 home invasions each day. According to the FBI, the future of home invasions looks grim, as numbers continue to skyrocket.

When we think of home invasions, we often focus on the stolen items, the damage to the home, and the financial loss caused by the burglary. Sadly, most people fail to consider the grueling psychological effects of a home invasion and how they will cope with the burglary-induced trauma.

To subdue their fears, victims of home invasions look to increase their home’s safety measures with the help of fully-loaded firearms such as these. Each year, over 2.5 million crimes are prevented by guns. In most cases, these pistols remain silent-but-deadly forces in the average household. Although many heads of households refrain from pulling the trigger in the face of impending danger, the gun you own and count on needs to be reliable and working if the situation escalates to a deadly level.

When looking for the best handgun for home security and self-defense, it’s easy to get caught up in the plethora of options at your local gun store and purchase something best suited for range use. Instead, look for the following five handguns, available for purchase at any gun store: 

Glock 19

When it comes to handguns, the pinnacle brand for reliability and ease of use is Glock. Glock offers 50 different models to choose from, but their most popular model is the Glock 19. The Glock 19 is a compact pistol chambered in 9mm, and with standard magazines, it holds 16 rounds with one in the chamber.

In addition to boasting large magazine capacity and Glock-exclusive reliability, the Glock 19 is also the top gun due to its ease of customization. The Glock 19 comes standard with popular aftermarket add-ons such as slide cuts for optics, a match-grade barrel, and one of the best factory triggers. If those features alone don’t check-off your wishlist, scour the market for other accessories that will make the Glock a must-have addition to your gun collection.

Glock 43

If the Glock 19 isn’t compact enough to be your go-to concealed carry gun, then the Glock 43 is the next best option. Like the Glock 19, the 43 is also chambered in 9mm and offers the same reliability and functionality. The Glock 43 is a “subcompact” gun, so its overall dimensions are several inches smaller, making it a breeze to carry concealed.

Sig Sauer P320

The Sig Sauer P320 is similar to the Glock 19 in size, caliber, and reliability, but subtle differences attract gun enthusiasts in-the-making. For starters, the Sig Sauer P320 features an extended slide and magazine release, which allows for quicker reloads. Not to mention, this firearm has a one-of-a-kind textured grip that keeps the gun firmly in your hand when firing it. 

Sig Sauer P365

The Sig Sauer P365 is the sub-compact version of the P320. Due to its size, carrying it is effortless and super comfortable, which means that it won’t jab into your stomach or leg when walking or sitting down. One of the most significant drawbacks of sub-compact guns is that they usually only hold 6-8 rounds from the factory. The P365 can hold up to 12 rounds in the magazine plus one in the chamber. 

Smith and Wesson M&P

The S&W M&P is a little bit larger than the G19, and it too is actively used by military and police personnel. However, one significant difference is that depending on the version you buy, the S&W M&P comes equipped with a safety. If you are a novice gun owner, having a safety on your gun prevents accidental discharges and ensures that you only fire the weapon when you intend to do so.
Parting shot

Don’t get caught flat-footed in the face of a predator. Take your family’s safety into your own hands with these home-defense-friendly firearms.

Read Also: These Cars Are At High Risk Of Theft In SA

Article Credit to The Antilope Valley Times.

 

What’s your view of SA being besieged by organised crime as fast becoming a gangsters’ paradise? How do you think South Africa should address this major safety issue? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.

Read Also: Vehicle Crime Has Evolved Over The Past 25 Years

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SA Besieged By Organised Crime

SA Besieged By Organised Crime

Crime & Security Explored

By Graeme Hosken

SA besieged by organised crime as fast becoming a gangsters’ paradise. Global research reveals how sophisticated criminal gangs tightened their grip on Africa during Covid-19.

Visit PFTC’s News Blog page for more relevant articles.

SA has the dubious honour of being ranked Africa’s 10th most vulnerable country to organised crime, with mafias, arms smugglers, human traffickers and drug dealers running riot, according to a global crime index.

Released on Thursday, the 2021 Organised Crime Index paints a damning picture of the operations of sophisticated criminal gangs across the continent.

The latest index, which was launched in 2019, looked at organised crime in Africa under Covid-19.

The index assessed resilience to organised crime by looking at the strength of a country’s political leadership, governance and criminal justice systems, economic regulations, anti-money laundering laws and civil society.

Leading the index in terms of countries most vulnerable to organised crime is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Of the 54 countries reviewed, Cape Verde is the most resilient to the scourge.

The Central African region registered the largest rise in criminality, with East Africa the continent’s region where organised crime is the most prevalent.

The index measures countries on a scale of one to 10, with 10 indicating a chronic organised crime problem.

The index showed that organised crime has became worse in 42 countries, with improvements recorded in 12 between 2019 and 2021. Africa has the second-highest levels of criminality globally, after Asia.

 

There were only a few resilience improvements, in terms of social protection measures, which relate to non-hard security measures. Other than this improvement the rest is not good news at all.

Martin Ewi, ISS

While researchers said the ongoing strengthening of SA’s criminal justice system ensured the country ranked number two in terms of resilience to organised crime, overall SA obtained a score of 6.63.

This, said the Institute for Security Studies’ (ISS) Martin Ewi, was “highly concerning”.

The ISS together with the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC) and Interpol conducted the research through the EU’s Enhancing Africa’s Response to Transnational Organised Crime (Enact) project.

Ewi, regional coordinator for Southern Africa for the Enact project, said SA’s rising vulnerabilities were driven by gangsterism, human trafficking, drug smuggling and wildlife and weapons crimes.

The report revealed SA had:

  • an alarming drug consumption rate, especially cocaine;
  • the arms market was fuelled by rampant police corruption, weapons coming from outside the country and leftover stockpiles from the apartheid era; and
  • mafia-style groups were pronounced and particularly active in the drug trade and extortion.

In creating the index, researchers looked at the involvement of local and foreign based criminal networks, mafias and state officials in crimes involving human trafficking, drug and weapons smuggling, wildlife poaching and theft of non-renewable mineral resources.

Ewi said after the first index they had hoped to see improvements in countries resilience to organised crime.

“What is both disturbing and surprising is that two years after the first index,there are increases in terms of countries’ vulnerabilities to organised crime. The increases have been across almost all the fields of organised crime.

“There were only a few resilience improvements, in terms of social protection measures, which relate to non-hard security measures. Other than this improvement the rest is not good news at all.”

He said while SA’s resilience to organised crime was high because of improvements to the criminal justice cluster, if the country was to be properly shielded against transnational organised crime then significant improvements to the cluster still needed to be made.

“From the last study we were expecting big improvements in SA’s resilience to organised crime, which simply did not come. SA now ranks 10 on the continent when it comes to organised criminality vulnerabilities, which is very concerning as this fuels crimes such as corruption.

“SA’s biggest organised crime threat comes from gangsterism, drugs, human trafficking and arms smuggling within the country. SA leads the continent when it comes to gangsterism, drugs and human trafficking. SA’s score is considered very high and way above the continental average.

 

Our 2019 Index reported widespread organised crime with no region spared the damage inflicted by illicit economies. In 2021 our data suggests it is worse, with more criminality and less resilience.

GI-TOC director Mark Shaw

“If steps are not taken to improve a country’s resilience the message given to criminals is that they can take over, which will in the long term increasingly fuel conflict and crimes such as terrorism.

“Criminal economies often intertwine themselves with formal economies and market institutions of countries experiencing violence, terrorism, insurgency and war. Instability caused by conflict is a significant impediment to an effective government response to organised crime.”

GI-TOC director Mark Shaw said: “The wheels of the criminal ecosystem kept turning during Covid-19.

“Our 2019 Index reported widespread organised crime with no region spared the damage inflicted by illicit economies. In 2021 our data suggests it is worse, with more criminality and less resilience.”

He said organised criminals took advantage of the pandemic to fill gaps left by state institutions and adapt illicit activities to beat Covid-19 restrictions, and were able to adapt more effectively than legal entities.

Shaw said human trafficking remained the most pervasive criminal market in Africa, while the cocaine trade saw the biggest increase.

Main Image: DAMNING Research by Institute for Security Studies, Interpol and international think tank Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime shows that SA ranks as Africa’s 10th most vulnerable country when it comes to organised crime gangs.
Image: 123RF

Read Also: These Cars Are At High Risk Of Theft In SA

Article Credit to Times LIVE.

 

What’s your view of SA being besieged by organised crime as fast becoming a gangsters’ paradise? How do you think South Africa should address this major safety issue? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.

Read Also: Vehicle Crime Has Evolved Over The Past 25 Years

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Benelli’s M3 Super 90, The King of Tactical Shotguns

Benelli's M3 Super 90, The King of Tactical Shotguns

Firearm Review

 

By JEFF JOHNSTON

Benelli’s M3 Super 90, the king of tactical shotguns is a remarkable shotgun that has built a solid reputation on reliability. The only question is pump or semi-auto? Why not both?

Visit PFTC’s News Blog page for more relevant articles.

 

The goal of this column is to inform Shooting Illustrated’s readers of top shotguns, shotgun techniques and training for self-defense. But, when I talk about a specific gun, it often alienates one camp from the discussion. You see, when it comes to shotguns for defense, there are those firmly entrenched in the semi-automatic camp, who believe faster shooting and lighter recoiling is worth the slight reduction in overall reliability. In the other camp are those who believe reliability is paramount and won’t consider a shotgun which has an action that cannot be worked manually. But alas, some of these warring folks forget that since 1989, there has been a quality shotgun that does both: Benelli’s M3. Before we get into the guts of this remarkable shotgun—perhaps the best ever offered for law enforcement purposes—let’s talk about the company and its revolutionary shotgun action.

Benelli Armi S.p.A. is an Italian company that produced motorcycles before making shotguns starting in 1967. Bruno Civolani invented the company’s trademarked inertial spring method of semi-automatic shotgun function, although the company’s specific patent, No. 4604942, was granted to Paolo Benelli in 1986, three years after Beretta purchased the Benelli company. The inertial-action concept was an advancement from the Swedish Sjögren shotgun first made in 1908 that failed to garner popular approval; it was later used effectively by Franchi, but it was the marketing efforts of Benelli during the 1990s that really made shooters aware of its effectiveness.

 
Here’s how it works:

A floating bolt featuring a rotating-bolt head locks onto the gun’s barrel extension to seal the chamber. When fired, recoil sends the gun (barrel, receiver and stock as one unit) backward, while the heavy bolt tries to remain at rest—hence the term “inertia.” After a split-second of rearward-moving force against it, however, a stout spring within the bolt body compresses to a maximum of 4 mm. When it rebounds, it pushes the bolt head forward (even as the gun is traveling backward), unlocking its bite on the barrel extension and subsequently succumbing to the rearward momentum of recoil.

As it flings backward, it extracts the shell from the chamber and ejects it via a spring-loaded, L-shaped ejector on the inside wall of the receiver that slides to accommodate various shell lengths; all the while the bolt’s travel continues to compress a recoil spring hidden in the buttstock. Once this spring bottoms out, it returns the bolt forward to the chamber, but not before it picks up another shell from the carrier and shoves it into battery. The whole process happens in about a fifth of a second.

Its genius is that it requires no gas ports to foul, no moving barrels like long-recoil actions and has fewer moving parts to wear and break. Gas and grime from the shell are blown out of the barrel rather than cycled back through the gas ports and into the action like gas guns. As a result, it is incredibly reliable and it will shoot any length of shell in any order without adjustment. It’s also faster cycling than most gas actions, a trait that allowed Tom Knapp to hit 10 flying clays with an M2 Super 90 (a lighter update to the M1) in 2.2 seconds. Furthermore, it is inherently lightweight, thanks to its simplicity.

For these reasons, it’s somewhat puzzling why the Marine Corps chose Benelli’s M4 shotgun with its ARGO-gas-piston-action system rather than Benelli’s inertia-action M2 as its standard-issue shotgun. Yes, the M4 has a couple advantages, but reliability is not one: The M4 is less sensitive to weight changes if, for example, if a heavy optic or other accessories are added to the gun. It also mitigates recoil better than the M2 due to its naturally heavier weight and the inherently cushy gas action. Still, it’s tough to think a heavier, less reliable gun would be chosen over the M2, especially when similar but less expensive gas-action guns abound.

Regardless of which Benelli was chosen by the Marine Corps, plenty of folks who depend on a shotgun for their livelihood believe the speed gained from a semi-automatic action is worth the slight—perhaps one percentage point—drop in reliability over a pump when full-power loads are used. But, if reduced-recoil loads or specialty loads like rubber-bullet rounds or less-lethal beanbag rounds are needed (or if the gun just happens to be incredibly dirty or filled with mud, ice or sand), reliability falls dramatically, so that most semi-autos are reduced to single-shot firearms.

This is where the incredible M3 shines. The original M3 (modeled after Benelli’s M1) was updated with features from the M2 Super 90, including a smaller receiver that shaves weight to 7.2 pounds. Think of it like an M2 with an emergency switch. For normal times shooting standard or heavy loads, the M3’s inertial, semi-automatic action functions flawlessly. But, when reduced-recoil loads are needed, the user must simply rotate a lever located between the fore-end and the magazine cap.

This movement unlocks the fore-end and engages the action rods of the pump system, instantly converting the M3 to a pump action—and a good one at that. Returning the lever disengages the action bars, locks the forearm and allows the inertia-recoil system to function as a semi-automatic. It’s pure engineering genius that gives the user all the advantages of a semi-auto with the reliability of a pump, all with a flip of a lever that takes less than a second to activate without sacrificing the shooting position.

Action aside, the M3 Super 90 comes with every feature needed in a top-quality combat shotgun with the exception of its rather paltry five-round (civilian model) magazine. (This is due to American importation laws, but mag-tube extensions can be purchased from Benelli or less expensively from third party manufacturers.) The M3 features a handy 19.75-inch barrel as well as a magazine cut-off/chamber-dump button so the shooter can directly chamber a special round without having to cycle through the entire magazine. It also offers balance and ergonomics that make it easy to shoot intuitively or by aiming, depending on the application. In other words, this is a shotgun with which I can hit flying clay pigeons or a bang a steel target at 100 yards with slugs.

The M3 is available in a Combat version with a pistol-grip stock for one-handed control, yet features a full-size/full-contour buttstock that greatly enhances shootability while mitigating recoil as a true shotgun stock should. The gun is available with a fiber-optic front sight only or ghost rings, as the M3 is designed for combat roles where less-lethal and/or slug loads are anticipated, so the ghost-ring sights are beneficial.

Regardless, the M3’s concept remains viable. If you’re looking for the best do-it-all defensive shotgun, but can’t decide between pump or semi—or you plan to use reduced-recoil loads—there is no shotgun better than Benelli’s M3 Super 90. I just thought I’d mention this option.

Read Also: These Cars Are At High Risk Of Theft In SA

Article Credit to Shooting Illustrated.

 

Benelli’s M3 Super 90 has built a solid reputation as a tactical shotgun. If you were in the market, would you consider buying one? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.

Read Also: Vehicle Crime Has Evolved Over The Past 25 Years

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Beware Of These Crime Trends Over December

Beware These Crime Trends Over December

Crime Trends

Beware of these crime trends over December, warns CEO of South Africa’s largest security firm because criminals are anticipating a large portion of people in South Africa will be travelling and go on holiday, making their homes easy targets.

Visit PFTC’s News Blog page for more relevant articles.

With many South Africans expected to travel and go on holiday over December, security companies are expecting an uptick in certain types of crimes, including house break-ins, says Wahl Bartmann, chief executive of Fidelity Services Group.

Speaking to Michael Avery on BusinessTalk, Bartmann said the criminals don’t go on holiday, so there is an increased opportunity to target unoccupied houses over this period.

He added that courier companies are likely to be increasingly targeted as South Africans shop online ahead of the Christmas and December holiday season. He said that shopping centres across the country are also likely to see an increase in incidents for similar reasons, especially over Black Friday.

“It is total preparedness from criminals – from cash in transits to following you back home in your car – so definitely remain aware and check.

“If you go on leave, check your alarm and make sure it’s working to ensure the company can respond immediately. Be proactive when walking around in stores and vigilant about it.”

Bartmann said that CCTVs and electric fencing are still effective deterrents against criminals. Still, they need to be used proactively and monitored offsite, or there must be an alarm that triggers when a system is bypassed.

He said that load shedding had created additional issues, while people working from home due to the Covid-19 lockdown pandemic means fewer alarms are being set during the day.

“Criminals are well prepared. You get the ones that will (take advantage of) a quick opportunity, but there are syndicates that operate. They are well planned, and they will take advantage of these opportunities.”

Bartmann said that while the Covid-19 pandemic and job losses have likely led to increased crime, he noted that South Africa’s criminal syndicates are huge, “and if people are successful they will keep on doing it”.

He pointed to failures in prosecutions and the justice system where criminals are often arrested, let out on bail, and then immediately commit a break-in or a cash-in-transit heist.

“The syndicates specialise in certain areas, they are well prepared, and they will go the extra mile to ensure they are successful.”

Read Also: These Cars Are At High Risk Of Theft In SA

Article Credit to BusinessTech Lifestyle.

 

Do you take additional precautions when you go on holiday to ensure that you don’t become a victim of crime while away? What tips can you share with readers how to safeguard your property against crime? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.

Read Also: Vehicle Crime Has Evolved Over The Past 25 Years

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Firearms Control Amendment Bill Postponed

Firearms Control Amendment Bill Postponed

Firearm Legislation Explored

 

By Andrew Whitfield MP – DA Shadow Minister of Police

The Firearms Control Amendment Bill was postponed by the Police Committee and is welcomed by the DA.

Visit PFTC’s News Blog page for more relevant articles.

 

During a portfolio committee meeting on Police held earlier today the Chairperson of the committee proposed that the Firearms Control Amendment Bill not be prioritised but rather be held back for further consideration.

The committee received a presentation on its legislative pipeline and agreed that the FCA Bill be held back given the extensive public outcry over the Bill. It was presented to the committee today that over 118 000 comments were received on the Bill during the period for public comment. The Civilian Secretariat for Police (CSP), which is responsible for the Bill, indicated that comments were being received at over 2 000 comments per day. It was further indicated to the committee that the Chief State Law Adviser has been approached for a legal opinion on the constitutionality of the deletion of sections 13, 14, 17 and 18 in the Principal Act. The CSP now awaits a formal response on the the constitutionality of the Bill.

The DA wishes to thank the thousands of concerned members of the public who have opposed this Bill and submitted their comprehensive comments which the CSP assured the committee were included in the redrafting of the Bill.

The committee today agreed to prioritise the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Bill (also known as the DNA Bill); the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Amendment Bill; and the South African Police Service (SAPS) Amendment Bill.

The DA has from the outset taken a very firm and clear position on this piece of legislation and have led the campaign against the Bill. While we welcome the postponement of this Bill we will continue to call for the Bill to be scrapped and for the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, to rather focus his attention on fixing the broken Central Firearms Registry (CFR).

The DA has a proud record of opposing this Bill and we have taken the following steps over the past year in this regard:

We’ve called on the Minister to abandon this Bill which will only hamper people’s ability to protect themselves against dangerous criminals;

We called for the Civilian Secretariat to appear before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee of Police to give a detailed presentation on the Firearms Control Amendment Bill to allow Parliament to fully interrogate the contents and rationale of this unreasonable Bill;

We have launched and handed in a petition with more than 113 000 signatures opposing this Bill;

We’ve called for national firearms audit of all police stations across the country as more than 700 SAPS guns are lost or stolen every year and find their way to criminals. Instead of disarming law-abiding South Africans, SAPS must stop arming criminals;

We submitted our objections to the Firearms Control Amendment Bill to the Civilian Secretariat for Police and continuously urged all South Africans to do the same;

We successfully hosted a virtual South African Firearms Summit with many different sectors of society. We even invited Police Minister Bheki Cele to the debate, although he declined – likely because he would be unable to defend this Bill against the overwhelming evidence of the danger it would hold for ordinary people;

In light of the Minister’s failure to honour his invitation, we sent him a link to the full summit which can be accessed here:

We’ve highlighted all our various concerns with the Bill on an episode of the Inside Track; and we’ve released at least numerous statements on the issue, wrote letters and opinion pieces on it and have done numerous interviews on various media platforms to highlight how incredibly problematic this Bill is.

The DA will remain vigilant and work with members of the committee to achieve an outcome which is in the best interests of the people of South Africa.

 

Main Picture: Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels

Article Credit to Andrew Whitfield MP – DA Shadow Minister of Police.

What is your view of the postponement of the proposed Firearms Control Amendment Bill? Do you think it will make South Africa a safer place to live? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.

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Crime Data Shows SA’s Murder Rate On The Rise

Crime Data Shows SAs Murder Rate On The Rise

Crime Trends & Personal Safety

Crime data shows SA’s murder rate is on the rise according to the latest crime statistics shared by the South African Police Service. Hijackers target these types of vehicles in SA according to police recorded crime statistics.

Visit PFTC’s News Blog page for more relevant articles.

 

The latest crime statistics for South Africa cover the second quarter of the 2021/22 year (July to September 2021).

Overall crime levels decreased slightly over the second quarter, compared to the same period in 2020. However, Covid-19 lockdown levels have had an impact on this.

Continuing the data trend the SAPS established in the first-quarter data, the police ministry compared the second-quarter data to ‘normal’ crime trends recorded in the second quarter of 2019.

Year-on-year trends are essentially incomparable, the SAPS said, as lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic created major shifts in criminal behaviour during those periods.

It is evident from the SAPS’ data that as lockdown restrictions and levels ease, criminal activity increases. The Q2 data in 2021 was captured over lockdown levels 3 and 2, while last year over the same period, lockdown levels were lower, at levels 2 and 1.

Despite these caveats, overall contact crimes were flat, up 1% over the period. Murders were up significantly, however, with 6,163 recorded in Q2, versus 5,107 last year – an increase of 20.7%.

The largest increase was seen in contact-related crimes, which were up 7.4% year on year. The SAPS said this was mainly driven by the July riots in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng, which led to a 30.2% increase in cases of arson, and a 6.5% increase in cases of malicious damage to property.

Burglary at non-residential premises – the category that the looting of stores would fall under – also saw a sharp increase at 18.7%, reflecting the rampant theft that took place at many shops over the period.

The main changes are outlined below.

SA crime stats: Q2 2020 vs Q2 2021
2020 vs 2021 Jul-Sep 2020  Jul-Sep 2021 Change
Contact Crimes 135 821 137 145 +1.0%
Contact-related Crimes 26 991 28 988 +7.4%
Property-related Crimes 95 516 89 576 -6.2%
Other Serious Crimes 93 949 94 810 +0.9%
Total public reported 352 277 350 519 -0.5%
Crime detected as a result of police action 18 235 19 083 +4.7%
Total 370 512 369 602 -0.2%
  • Contact crimes include murder, attempted murder and sexual offences, as well as common assault and robbery.
  • Contact-related crimes include arson and malicious injury to property.
  • Other serious crimes include commercial crime, shop-lifting, and other types of theft – while aggravated robbery includes hijackings, robbery at residences, and cash-in-transit heists and bank robberies.
  • Crimes detected as a result of police action cover crimes discovered by active policing, such as roadblocks and raids. This category covers the illegal possession of firearms, DUI or driving under the influence (of drugs or alcohol), and the use, possession or trade of illegal drugs.
 
Biggest increases in crime categories for 1Q21
Category Jul-Sep 2020 Jul-Sep 2021 Change
Arson 986 1 284 +30.2%
Murder 5 107 6 163 +20.7%
Burglary at non-residential premises 15 881 18 776 +18.2%
Commercial crime 21 987 24 613 +11.9%
Malicious injury to property 26 005 27 704 +6.5%
Sexual Offences 11 423 11 964 +4.7%
Attempted murder 4 941 5 157 +4.4%
Drug-related crime 29 094 30 224 +3.9%
Carjacking 4 803 4 973 +3.5%
All theft not mentioned elsewhere 58 154 59 671 +2.6%
Assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm 34 890 35 625 +2.1%
Common assault 36 851 37 137 +0.8%
Bank robbery 1 1 0.0%
Truck hijacking 411 410 -0.2%
Robbery at non-residential premises 4 937 4 867 -1.4%
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs 7 828 7 649 -2.3%
Common robbery 9 864 9 619 -2.5%
Sexual offences discovered as result of police action 1 568 1 522 -2.9%
Robbery with aggravating circumstances 32 745 31 480 -3.9%
Robbery at residential premises 5 760 5 372 -6.7%
Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition 3 631 3 355 -7.6%
Burglary at residential premises 39 304 35 949 -8.5%
Stock-theft 7 339 6 663 -9.2%
Theft of motor vehicle and motorcycle 10 146 8 721 -14.0%
Theft out of or from motor vehicle 22 846 19 467 -14.8%
Robbery of cash in transit 64 52 -18.8%
Shoplifting 13 808 10 526 -23.8%

Comparing Q2 to Q2 data from 2019, the crime picture changes significantly for the better, with most crime categories showing a decline.

Stand-out increases are murders, which are up 13.2% compared to 2019, as well as truck hijackings and arson, again related to civil unrest over the 2021 period.

The table above outlines the crime category comparison between Q2 2021, the same period in 2020 and the ‘normal’ period in 2019.

Read Also: These Cars Are At High Risk Of Theft In SA

Article Credit to BusinessTech Lifestyle.

 

What’s your view of the latest crime statistics shared by the South African Police Service? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.

Read Also: Vehicle Crime Has Evolved Over The Past 25 Years

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How Many Security Guards Vs Police Officers There Are In SA

Security Guards Vs Police Officers In SA

Safety & Security Explored

Today we look at how many security guards vs police officers there are in SA, and why things are changing.

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Data published by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (Psira) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) shows that the country’s private security sector now dwarfs the official police force by a significant margin.

Psira, which acts as the regulator for the price security sector in South Africa, indicates that there are over 2.4 million registered security officers across the country, with just under a million in Gauteng alone. The country is also home to over 11,370 registered security businesses.

However, being a registered security officer does not equate to employment, and Psira’s data shows that far fewer security officers are actively employed (564,540) across the country.

By comparison, the SAPS’ latest annual report shows that a fixed establishment of 182,126 employees. This figure includes both active police officers and administrative staff, as follows:

 

  • 21,396 commissioned officers;
  • 122,075 non-commissioned officers;
  • 37,840 Public Service Act employees.

These SAPS employment figures effectively give South Africa a police to population ratio of 1:413. By comparison, the ratio of active security guards to South African citizens is closer to 1:106.

 

Increased regulation 

The size of South Africa’s private security sector has now led to increased regulation, with president Cyril Ramaphosa signing the Private Security Industry Regulation Amendment Act into law in October 2021.

While the law is yet to come into effect officially, it introduces several new regulations, including minimum conditions of service and minimum training standards. Notably, it also introduces strict regulations around who can own and run security companies in South Africa.

One of the key sticking points is that the Act introduces a 51% South African ownership requirement. It also gives the police minister the power to unilaterally prescribe a different percentage of ownership and control in respect of different categories of a security business if he deems this to be in the interests of the national security of South Africa.

The opposition Democratic Alliance has come out in strong opposition to the regulations, which it warns will lead to further international disinvestment and job losses.

 

Growing demand for private protection 

A growing number of people are turning to private protection services and bodyguards over a perceived increase in violent crime in South Africa – including kidnappings.

Pierre Gildenhuys, head of forensic investigations at D&K Management Consultants, told radio station CapeTalk that this is not only limited to wealthy South Africans, with an increase in security services enquiries seen across all income bands.

“We are seeing a rise every day in violent crimes and kidnappings taking place. Organised crime syndicates do target wealthier people more often, but there are a lot of kidnappings taking place in rural areas and townships for (a ransom) as little as R2,000 – R5,000,” he said,

“There is no floor on this. Whether you are white, black, Indian, poor or rich – unfortunately, we are all targeted in this regard.”

While recent headlines have drawn attention to these incidents, Gildenhuys said that this problem has continued for a relatively long time in South Africa. However, he said that it is typically gone under the radar as these crimes are not always reported and because people do not trust the South African Police Service (SAPS) to assist in these matters.

South Africa reported a shock increase in crime statistics in Q1 2021/2022, with a significant increase in cases reported across several crime categories.

Police minister Bheki Cele said that the double-digit increase in most crime categories was attributable to the adjusted lockdown levels and distorted crime trends.

The police minister said that while the country had seen a ‘holiday from crime’ during the higher level 5, 4 and 3 lockdowns, the move to lighter restrictions had led to ‘exaggeratedly high’ crime levels.

“While we will not sweep the high and unnatural figures under the carpet, we will instead bring to the fore a holistic picture of comparing the 2021/2022 Q1 crime figures to a ‘normal period’ two years ago where there was no lockdown.”

Article Credit to BusinessTech Lifestyle.

 

What is your view of the vast difference between police officers and security guards in South Africa? Do you think the high amount of private security guards make South Africa a safer country to live in? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.

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Hijackers Target These Types Of Vehicles In SA

Hijackers Target These Vehicles In SA

Crime Trends & Personal Safety

Hijackers target these types of vehicles in SA according to police recorded crime statistics. The most up to date crime data from the SAPS, published in mid-August, revealed that carjacking increased by 92.2% for the period April 2021 to 30 June 2021 compared to the same period last year. This figure, however, was adjusted to 13.2% when compared to the same period during 2019/2020.

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Prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, which caused an anomaly in the crime stats, annual crime data from SAPS for the period between April 2019 and March 2020 showed that as many 5,245 sedans or hatchbacks were hijacked. In Q1 of 2021, 1,839 sedans or hatchbacks were carjacked, while SUVs accounted for 239 incidents. This was up significantly from 57 SUVs in the prior period.

Bakkies were the second most hijacked vehicle type with 2,200 cases recorded between April 2019 and March 2020. The most recent data shows that in excess of 1,000 bakkies/panel vans had been carjacked inQ1 of 2021 alone.

Most carjackings took place in Gauteng, which recorded 9,025 incidents between April 2019 and March 2020, and almost three times as much as KwaZulu-Natal.

Data published by vehicle-tracking company Tracker in August noted a change in vehicle criminal behaviour as hijackers become more brazen and desperate.

According to Duma Ngcobo, chief operating officer at Tracker South Africa, hijacking is now more prevalent than vehicle theft.

Hijacking attributed a higher percentage of the Tracker vehicle crime activities in 2021 when compared to theft, averaging a 54/46% split.

“The slant towards hijacking is most likely an opportunistic tactic, with a noticeable increase in vehicles being targeted for their loads, particularly fast-moving consumable goods.

“Drivers carrying large amounts of cash are also being targeted. South Africans should be wary and remain vigilant, especially when returning home from shopping or when goods bought online are delivered to their homes. Hijackings are often violent, and there are instances where a hostage is taken,” said Ngcobo.

Pie chart showing the types of vehicles targeted by hijackers

Security firm Fidelity ADT meanwhile, said that incidents involving remote-jamming devices have become an everyday occurrence in South Africa.

The following vehicles are considered ‘high-risk’ and that a tracking unit should be installed where possible:

  • VW Polo sedan
  • VW Polo hatchback
  • Toyota Fortuner
  • Toyota Etios
  • Toyota Yaris
  • Toyota Hilux
  • Ford Ranger
Graph of carjacking trends in South Africa

You are most likely to be hijacked on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 18h00 and 21h00, or on a Friday or Saturday night between 21:00 and midnight.

The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, said that drivers should always be prepared should they become a target.

“Your first defence against carjacking, is to be aware of suspicious people and situations in order to prioritise your safety. Potentially risky people or behaviour include cars or people around your driveway when you arrive home, cars driving behind you for some time, someone different or unusual at an intersection or suspicious people in parking lots. Pay attention to what is around you and if your gut instinct feels off, listen to it.”

Unfortunately, however, the possibility that you still fall victim to a carjacking is very high. “While a comparison to 2019 figures is likely more accurate, the figure could possibly still be higher due to the intense economic pressure on citizens. If you find yourself in this situation, these are the most important tips to keep in mind,” said Herbert.

A car is replaceable a life is not. Do not argue, fight or try anything dangerous to escape the situation. News stories about drivers whose ‘heroic’ actions helped them escape would be far lower if the stories of people who tried fighting, but failed, were published, he said.

“Indicate your willingness to comply. A hijack extraction course will teach you the steps to take that will indicate to a criminal that you will surrender the car,” he added. “Ensure you regularly practice getting out of a vehicle in the same way you would during a carjacking – as often as possible. Make it the normal way you exit your car so that if it had to happen, it is muscle memory and you react automatically.”

As the economy continues to struggle to recover, it is unlikely the next crime stats will improve by much, said Herbert. “Ensure no matter what the stats say, that you are constantly aware and know what to do if you come face-to-face with a carjacker.”

Read Also: These Cars Are At High Risk Of Theft In SA

Article Credit to BusinessTech Lifestyle.

 

What’s your view of the 13.2% increase in hijackings for 2021 compared to the same crime figures for the period 2019/2020? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.

Read Also: Vehicle Crime Has Evolved Over The Past 25 Years

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How To Protect Yourself From A Hijacking

How To Protect Yourself From A Hijacking

Security & Personal Safety Explored

 

By Imogen Searra

Here’s how to protect yourself from a hijacking because hijackings are sadly a reality in South Africa and on the rise. You can never be overly prepared especially if you frequently drive alone.

Visit PFTC’s News Blog page for more relevant articles.

Gauteng is the most dangerous province in terms of carjackings, with Johannesburg being the area where the most hijackings occur in South Africa. Durban in KwaZulu-Natal is the worst place for hijackings in the province. Mitchells Plain is the worst spot for hijackings in the Western Cape.

Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey GPSJS 2018/19. Picture: Statsa

Tracker published its annual Tracker Vehicle Crime Index for 2020, showcasing how hijacking is on the rise in the country.

“Recorded from Tracker’s more than 1.1-million installed vehicle base, the statistics reveal that before the unprecedented event of lockdown, the number of vehicle crime activities rose nationally by 11% year-on-year, driven mainly by hijacking with an increase of 21%. Theft of vehicles, meanwhile, remained at a similar level to the previous year,” said Tracker.

“The lockdown period brought with it an extraordinary set of circumstances and vehicle crime numbers last seen decades ago, particularly during level 5 restrictions. In April, the number of vehicle crime activities nationally declined to only 19% of the average monthly vehicle crime activities. As the country’s restrictions were lifted vehicle crime activities increased, with May experiencing a three-fold increase to 62% of the average vehicle crime activities, while June was close to usual levels at 93%.”

Hijackings have become prevalent throughout the week, from Tuesday to Saturday with a decrease in activity on Monday and Sundays. Reported hijackings are received by Tracker between 11am and midnight. Theft is mainly reported around the weekend and during lunchtime hours.

 
 
Tracker has identified 27 hotspots for hijacking in South Africa, these include: 

Gauteng:

  • Johannesburg
  • Soweto
  • Pretoria

KwaZulu-Natal:

  • Durban
  • Umlazi
  • Pietermaritzburg

Western Cape:

  • Mitchells Plain
  • Khayelitsha
  • Cape Town

Mpumalanga:

  • eMalahleni
  • Kwa-Guqa
  • Delmas

Eastern Cape:

  • Ibhayi
  • Motherwell
  • Port Elizabeth

North West:

  • Rustenburg
  • Brits
  • Hebron

Limpopo:

  • Burgersfort
  • Polokwane
  • Dennilton

Free State:

  • Bloemfontein
  • Sasolburg
  • Senekal

Northern Cape:

  • Dikhing
  • Lime Acres
  • Moeswaal
 
Here are some tips from Arrive Alive to keep in mind to protect yourself. 

Approaching and entering your driveway:

  • 2km from your house strategy. Be extra alert. Switch off the car radio and concentrate on your surroundings. If you have noticed any vehicle behind you, use the techniques you have learned during the hijack prevention & survival course to determine whether you are being followed.
  • Remember to stop your vehicle just on the inside of the gate and select reverse whilst waiting for the gate to close. This creates confusion and may buy you a few seconds for the gate to close completely behind you.
  • Check your driveway and street before you leave or enter your premises.
  • Make sure your driveway is well lit and clear from shrubbery where perpetrators can hide.
  • Be aware of unknown pedestrians close to your residential address – do not turn into your driveway – pass and go back later.
  • Liaise with your neighbours – know them.
  • Be aware of vehicles parked close to your address with occupants inside. It might be perpetrators observing the area.
  • Be alert if your animals do not greet you at the gate as usual. It might be that the perpetrators over-powered them.
  • Phone your home and ask for someone to make sure your driveway is safe and to open and close the gate for you.
  • When returning home after dark, ensure that an outside light is on, or have someone meet you at the gate. Check with your armed response company if they are rendering rendezvous services.
  • If at any time you have to open the gate yourself, switch off the vehicle, leave the key in the ignition and close the door. Then open the gate.
  • If you have small children in the vehicle, take the key with you (this is the only exception). You then need the key as a “negotiating tool”. The perpetrators want your vehicle and you want your children.
  • If your children are older, it is advised that they exit the vehicle with you when opening the gate so that you are all separated from the vehicle should a hijack occur.

Parking your vehicle:

  • Check rear-view mirror to ensure you are not being followed.
  • When exiting your vehicle, be cautious and aware of surrounding obstructions and shrubbery that may be concealing a hijacker.
  • Never sit in your parked vehicle without being conscious of your surroundings. Sleeping in a stationary vehicle is particularly dangerous.
  • When approaching your driveway, be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles/persons. This is very important as the majority of hijackers approach their victims in home driveways.
 

Whilst entering your vehicle and while driving, the following should be considered:

  • Have your key ready, but not visible.
  • Inspect the outside and inside of the vehicle before unlocking. (Tyre, tyre, number plate, another side of the vehicle – as explained during the hijack prevention & survival course)
  • Know your destination and directions to it, and be alert should you get lost.
  • Always drive with your windows closed and doors locked.
  • Make a mental note of any Police Stations in the vicinity.
  • When stopping behind another vehicle, leave half a vehicle length in front of your vehicle to make an emergency escape if necessary.
  • When dropping off a passenger, make sure they are safely in their own vehicle before departing.
  • Avoid driving through high crime or unfamiliar areas.
  • Avoid driving late at night / early hours of the morning when the roads are quiet.
  • Drive in the centre lane away from pedestrians where possible.
  • If possible, never drive alone.
  • NEVER, EVER pick up hitchhikers or strangers. (VERY IMPORTANT)
  • Never follow routine routes when driving; change on a regular basis.
OTHER SITUATIONS:
  • If approached by a stranger while in your vehicle, drive off if possible or use your hooter to attract attention.
  • Lock your doors, close your windows and do not have bags or briefcases visible in the vehicle. Use the boot for this. Cell phone should also not be visible.
  • There are times and days that these items are visible in the vehicle. Try and open the window they might “smash & grab” about 3 cm, so the window can absorb the sudden impact. If you’ve left your stopping distance you may be able to escape.
  • Be constantly on the lookout for suspicious-looking characters or vehicles and do not hesitate to report them to the SAPS.
  • Always be on the alert for potential danger, and be on the lookout for possible escape routes and safe refuge along the way.
  • When approaching a red traffic light at night, slow down so that you only reach it when it turns green.
  • Do not take anything from people standing at traffic lights or places where they gather (job seekers on gathering points). Perpetrators are usually standing among these people.
  • Make sure you are not followed. If you suspect you are being followed, drive to the nearest Police Station or any busy public area.
  • If any person or vehicle in a high-risk area arouses your suspicions, treat it as hostile and take appropriate action, e.g. when approaching a red traffic light, slow down, check for oncoming traffic and if clear, drive through the intersection. A fine will be preferable to an attack. Treat stop streets in the same way. Thereafter call for assistance if necessary. Always report these incidents to the SAPS. But remember, this is not an excuse to ignore the rules of the road. The onus will be on you to prove in a court of law that you had a justifiable reason to act the way you did and this is only in the case of a real, life-threatening emergency.
  • Always have your identity document and driver’s license in your possession as well as a pen and notebook to take necessary notes.
  • If possible, avoid driving in the dark. Hijackers may stage a minor accident, for e.g. If your vehicle is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual involved in the situation, indicate he/she must follow you and drive to the nearest Police Station or any busy public area for help.
  • Never open your vehicle window or door for any stranger. If a suspicious person is near your unoccupied vehicle, do not approach the vehicle. Walk to the nearest public area and ask for assistance.
  • If you encounter obstacles in the road, e.g. rocks, tyres, do not get out of your vehicle to remove them. Reverse and drive away in the opposite direction.
  • Do not stop to eat or rest on deserted roads.
  • Do not leave your vehicle unattended at a filling station.
  • Cell phones should be carried on the body. Perpetrators will not allow you to remove your cell phone and valuables from the vehicle.
 
INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW:

If your vehicle is hijacked or stolen, promptly report it to the SAPS. Make sure you have the vehicle details: model, colour, vehicle identification and registration numbers available to assist with the recovery of the vehicle.

When forced to drive with a hijacker, be observant without making direct eye contact and try to memorise as many details as possible.

It is important to describe the hijacker as accurately as possible. When observing a hijacker, take note of his head and face – the shape of the eyes, mouth, nose and ears. Take note of possible irregularities. Look at the hair, skin colour, complexion and possible scars and tattoos. Observe the build, sex, body movement, clothing and any conversation that may take place.

  • Remember the direction from which they came and fled, as well as the time and place the incident happened.
  • Remember to make mental and physical notes immediately after the incident to ensure accurate and detailed information for the Police investigation.

Taken hostage – It can be helpful to have a survival plan in the back of your mind should such an incident occur. It is difficult not to become paranoid about being taken, hostage. However, it is just as easy to become complacent.

 
ONE VERY IMPORTANT FACT TO REMEMBER WHEN BEING HIJACKED:

Should the conclusion of the drama be by way of armed intervention, and escape is not possible, immediately drop to the ground, remain still and obey the orders of the leader. If confronted:

  • Do not lose your temper, threaten or challenge the hijacker.
  • DO EXACTLY AS TOLD BY THE HIJACKERS!
  • Do not resist, especially if the hijacker has a weapon. Surrender your vehicle and move away. Try to put as much distance between yourself and the hijacker(s) as speedily as possible.
  • Do not reach for your purse or valuables. Leave everything in the vehicle.
  • Try to remain calm at all times and do not show signs of aggression.
  • Be compliant to all demands set by the perpetrator.
  • Do not make eye contact with the hijacker. He may perceive this behaviour as a threat and retaliate aggressively.
  • Keep your hands still and visible to the hijacker, so as to give him assurance of your passive content.
  • Do not speak too fast (if you are able to talk) and do not make sudden movements.
  • Gather as much information as possible without posing a threat.
    • How many people?
    • How many firearms and description thereof?
    • What were the perpetrators wearing (clothing)?
    • To which direction did they drive off?
    • Take note of the language they use (the accent).
  • First phone the SA Police Service on 08600 10111. They will dispatch the medical services if needed. Other emergency numbers you could phone are 112 ANY Network (Vodacom+MTN+Cell C) or 147 Vodacom ONLY.
  • Activate the vehicle tracking device if the vehicle is fitted with one.

Main Picture: Unsplash

Article Credit to Woman On Wheels.

 

What is your view of the rising hijacking figures in South Africa? Do you think the above information can reduce your risk of being hijacked and do you have any tips to share with the viewers? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.

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