Rising crime stats a concern
Cyril is soft on crime, says DA
Parliament’s portfolio committee on police says it is concerned about the upward trend in the crime statistics in the country.
“The committee’s argument is that a collaboration between the police and the community is the only basis on which the fight can be won.
“Also, the enhancement of both the detectives and crime intelligence environments will add the necessary energy and expertise in the fight against crime,” said committee chair Tina Joemat-Peterson.
She said it was concerning that there was also high level of vigilantism with 528 murders, 79 attempted murders and 544 assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm which were as a result of mob justice. “While policing plays a critical role in the fight against crime, the collaborative efforts by the community are essential and will enable the speedy investigation of crime,” said Joemat-Peterson.
DA MP Andrew Whitfield said the numbers confirm that the bloodbath of violent crime remains out of control across the country.
“Under Bheki Cele’s leadership… more people are being murdered, raped and assaulted than ever before while President Cyril Ramaphosa looks on from London and continues giving minister Cele his full support.
“When he was elected into office, President Ramaphosa promised to half violent crime within 10 years.
“He is now almost half way through this 10-year period and violent crime has increased exponentially because the truth is that the president is soft on crime,” said Whitfield.