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Despite a 7% rise in contact crimes in the Western Cape, General Redy, Cluster Chief of the SAPS in George, rejects community participation in the fight against crime. AfriForum however said they will go ahead with their community patrols tonight, despite Gen Redy’s opinion and statements.

“We will not stand back for a police officer who works for the citizens of the country, who are depriving the citizens from their constitutional rights. We will go ahead with our patrols and will not hesitate to subpoena the SAPS leadership if they do not assist members of the community who act within the confines of the law,” Ian Cameron, Head of Community Safety at AfriForum, said.

Cameron further explained that it’s due to poor leadership in the police, like the leadership of Gen Redy, that crime in South Africa is out of control.

“Police officers on the ground want to work, but political appointments are hampering them.”

Contact crimes in the Western Cape increased as follows:

·         Murder increased with 9.7%
·         Attempted murder increased with 11.4%
·         Robbery with aggravating circumstances increased with 18.4%

AfriForum is coordinating Operation Crime Free in partnership with 114 community structures, neighbourhood watches, security companies and the SAPS tonight, in which more than 3 000 people across the country will take part to curb crime.

Issued by AfriForum