Crime stats – an eye-opener

WITH regard to the recent release of the crime statistics in the country (released by Police Minister Fikile Mbalula, pictured), may I respectfully suggest that the figures, even the purported decline in some crime categories, is nothing to crow about.

It has become the bad and irritating habit of certain people in authority, especially some ill-advised, dishonest or over zealous politicians and highly ranked civil servants, to make a big song and dance about the matter, even gloating about this serious issue.

In reality, one murder is one too many. One rape is one too many. One hijacking or carjacking is one too many, etc.

There must be a concerted effort made by all concerned, especially the authorities, to pool and bolster available resources and wage the fight against crime, and allied evils, on all fronts.

While the statistics may say something, there are other issues where we are all in the dark.

Regarding the statistics, some serious crimes are not reported, such as torture.

What is also a frightening unknown is the crimes and other unlawful acts that are never reported because of numerous pertinent issues, including fear and intimidation.

Also aggravating this is the inability of police to assist victims in opening cases, either through sheer laziness or because they possess little or no knowledge of certain crimes, such as intimidation.

Let us too, as proud citizens of this lovely country Mzansi, do our parts, individually and collectively, to fight the scourge of crime, injustice and corruption.

It’s a good start to pray to our dear Lord for divine intervention against the forces of darkness.

Nkosi ’sikelel iAfrika.