South Africa's ruling party urges radical measures to lower crime levels

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) on Friday called for radical and drastic measures required to bring down the unacceptably high levels of crime in South Africa.

The government must act urgently on the remedial action to deal with the defects in the law-enforcement system that are allowing criminals to go unpunished, the ANC said.

The party issued the statement following the release of crime statistics in Parliament.

According to the statistics presented by Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko, South Africa saw a 4.9 percent increase in murder for 2015/16, compared to the previous financial year.

This means that around 51 people were murdered every day in South Africa, up from 49 in 2014/15.

Meanwhile, attempted murder increased by 3.4 percent, with 49 cases on average reported every day.

Aggravated robbery increased by 2.7 percent with 363 incidences every day on average, while robbery at residential premises increased by 2.7 percent, with 57 houses on average broken into every day.

Car hijackings increased by 14.3 percent, with 40 hijackings taking place every day on average.

"We appreciate the candor and frankness with which the SAPS (South African Police Service) have highlighted the challenges faced by law-enforcement in bringing down crime, which is fundamentally tied to strengthening the social fabric in our communities," ANC national spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said.

"It is only through collaboration and cooperation between the different arms of law-enforcement that we will be able to bring down crime levels; and stability within the Security Cluster is essential if the coordinated cluster-based approach to fighting crime is to yield success required," Kodwa said.

He also said the ANC welcomed the announcement that there has been a general decrease in incidents of crime.

"We are particularly pleased that during 2015/2016 the numbers of sex crimes, including sexual assault and rape, have decreased. This is a welcome trend that the ANC hopes will continue," he said.

Whilst the ANC welcomes progress made by the SAPS in bringing down levels of certain types of crime -- the increase in contact crimes is worrying, said Kodwa.

The ANC further concurs with the sentiment expressed by Nhleko that fighting crime is everyone's responsibility, and not just that of the SAPS.

"Clearly, together there is much more we still need to be do to realize our common objective of safer communities, safer cities and a safer country," Kodwa said. Endit