Crime Stats: National government’s failings need to be addressed to keep South African’s safe
The DA is deeply, deeply concerned for all South Africans who today face another year of increased levels of crime. This comes after the 2014/2015 crime stats released today that violent crimes are on the increase.
It has been revealed today that the murder rate has gone up for the third consecutive year of National Police Commissioner (NPC), Riah Phiyega’s tenure at the helm our South African Police Service (SAPS). A year ago there were 17 068 murders which worked out to 47 murders a day. The increase revealed today means that the murder rate is up to 17 805 which means 49 South Africans are murdered in this country each and every day. This number of deaths is what one would expect from a country at war. This is catastrophic.
We note with cautious optimism the Minister’s declaration that these Stats have been produced in consultation with StatsSA which is a welcomed acknowledgement for the need for these stats to be verified. The DA will, however, impress upon the Minister and the Commissioner that in order for these numbers to have optimal credibility and legitimacy; that they be audited by an independent body with no ties to the government. This will go a long way to restoring the public’s confidence in these stats.
From today’s presentation by the Minister of Police, Nathi Nhleko, and NPC Phiyega, we now have confirmation of what many South Africans have felt in their everyday lives: Crime is getting worse. The crime rate increased in the following categories: