The rise in crimes committed against small businesses in Gauteng not only puts needless pressure on the police, but is also forcing these small businesses to their knees with many having no other choice but to close their doors.
The Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko, announced that between April 2019 and December 2020, a total of 10 219 attacks, robberies and other crimes committed against small businesses in Gauteng were reported.
The Ekurhuleni Metro region was the hardest hit with 3 486 cases, followed by Johannesburg with 3 186 cases, Tshwane with 2 160, Sedibeng with 748 and the West Rand with 639 cases.
The businesses predominantly plagued by robberies include spaza and tuck shops, convenience shops at garages and general dealers.
The majority of tuck shop owners do business from home and are dependent on clients living and working in the area. In most cases, these owners do not have the funds needed to install security systems to protect them against crime.
At the moment, the police force is tasked with enforcing the more stringent Covid-19 regulations, which means that community policing forums and neighbourhood watches have to shoulder the responsibility of patrolling the streets.
According to a report by Reuters (1 June), the unemployment rate rose with 32,6% in the first quarter of 2021 and as a result, people resort to anything to survive, even crime.
The FF Plus in Gauteng has requested the provincial Police Commissioner, Lt.-Gen. Elias Mawela, to send official letters to all police stations encouraging station commanders to implement visible policing and to assist communities in establishing community policing forums where needed.
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