Government is defeating the object of community crime involvement

African Christian Democratic Party MP Rhoda Southgate

28 May 2003

Although the government has appealed to members of the public to co-operate in fighting crime, it does not allow communities to receive feedback on whether their efforts are successful or not.

"Community Police Forums (CPF) are not provided with weekly or monthly crime statistics by the SAPS, which would allow them to develop a media strategy to inform their communities of any change in crime levels in their areas. How can these CPFs plan their monthly strategies and targets and expect community involvement when the government is not playing their cards openly and letting those who are involved in fighting crime know whether their efforts are successful?" asks ACDP MP Rhoda Southgate.

"The rationale for implementing the moratorium on crime has never adequately been explained. If it is a case that statistics can only be released annually because of their inaccuracy on a short-term basis, the Minister should advise us of any new measures in place to ensure that these statistics are more efficient.

"The whole country is convinced that crime is out of control. If that is not the case, the government must let people know that crime is coming down and to do that they have to release crime statistics."


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For more information: Rhoda Southgate MP at 082 875 8194
Media Liaison: Charmaine Horne at 084 370 3550 or 021 403 3307