CRIME HOT SPOT
Mogoditshane’s rapid urbanisation, driven by expanding businesses, new shopping malls, and a growing population, has not only brought economic activity but also a sharp rise in crime. Latest figures presented before Council show Mogoditshane Police Station is among the busiest in the country, recording more than 3,000 cases every month.
Hotspots are emerging in densely populated neighbourhoods where unemployment and poor living conditions prevail. Senthumole has been singled out as a breeding ground for crime, with a dangerous mix of joblessness, substance abuse, and rundown buildings. Robberies rose from 59 cases in 2023 to 79 in 2024, while theft and vehicle break-ins are increasingly common. Murder and attempted murder cases nearly doubled, climbing from 11 in 2024 to 21 in 2025, sparking fears of a deepening crisis.
On a positive note, rape cases dropped from 180 in 2024 to 120 in 2025, while threats to kill declined slightly from 39 to 37. Overall, index crimes fell from 275 in 2024 to 238 in 2025, though authorities caution the numbers remain high.
District Council Chairman, Molatedi Selala acknowledged the growing crisis, stressing that police alone cannot win the fight. He said authorities have intensified efforts through Community-Oriented Policing, mobilising cluster groups to strengthen vigilance and improve reporting.
Selala noted that police face serious constraints, including limited manpower and mobility, making swift responses difficult.
“We need the community to stand up and work with the police; without that partnership, it will be very difficult to contain this situation,” he said.