LETTERS
Leaders spurring lawlessness
THE RECENT crime statistics the SAPS released embody not only the extent of trauma experienced by South Africans daily but also the level of distrust our citizens have in state institutions.
While statistics for some crime categories, such as sexual offences and burglary, might seem to have dropped compared to the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 statistics, this does not necessarily signify a decrease in the crimes committed.
What this means, rather, is that the public is feeling insecure and distrusts the criminal justice system.
A victims of crime survey conducted by Statistics South Africa revealed that the public’s satisfaction with the criminal justice system has declined, evidenced by the number of people who report a crime to the police in comparison to those who experience it.
In a country renowned for having one of the best constitutions in the world, it is unfortunate that people living in it are no longer confident about the institutions that are meant to protect them.
When one considers the daily experiences of citizens with the criminal justice system, much is left to be desired. These experiences have thus instigated a steady erosion of the rule of law in the country.
A mere 35.6% of households that experienced housebreaking in Gauteng were satisfied with the police’s response, while nationally the figure stands at 38.4%.
Furthermore, an overwhelming majority of 65% of Gauteng households have resorted to taking extra measures to protect their homes because they distrust our systems.
This paints a picture of citizens who have clearly lost confidence in the ability of our systems, which appear to have passively relegated their duties to citizens, hence people are taking it upon themselves to hire security companies, install security alarms, insure their property and so on.
This leaves our most vulnerable communities exposed to crime because they cannot afford these extra measures.
When you fail to protect, you fail to lead.
A recent video showing police officers being attacked by foreigners in the Vaal area did nothing to restore public confidence. In fact, it showed just how disrespected the police and the rule of law have come to be in our communities.
Even so, we cannot blame the public for such atrocious behaviour while we are failing to lead and protect them.
The people responsible for making and enforcing the law are the ones demonstrating sheer disregard for the rule of law.
For as long as those in public service appear to act with impunity and fail to account for allegations of the abuse of power and state resources, we cannot reasonably expect citizens to respect the law.
The provincial government’s failure to pay service providers within the legally stipulated 30-day period, which we are told has in this term resulted in R37 million in interest on defaulted accounts, is but one of many examples of how public officials, particularly those holding political offices, demonstrate disrespect for the law.
Professor Penelope Andrews of the University of Cape Town cautions: “A society that does not live by the rule of law, a lawless one, can never allow its people to flourish and grow and to trust each other or their leaders.”
If our leaders disregard the laws, why should citizens be reasonably expected to abide by them?
A tough stance needs to be taken against all those breaking the law regardless of stature, race, creed or affiliation. We cannot even begin attempting to change people’s attitudes and behaviour towards authority and the criminal justice system while we, as leaders, have not transformed and begun to lead by example.
Our leaders need to lead people of this province by showing that no one is above the law – not even the lawmakers or legislators.
Everyone is subject to the constitution and the law. Unless those responsible for making and enforcing laws show respect for the rule of law, and don’t try to change the rules to serve their interests, we have little chance of reducing violence and crime.
WRITE TO US
IFP Gauteng Caucus Leader