In an effort to tackle crime, it was imperative that people in authority should lead by example. This was according to Professor Antanas Mockus, former mayor of Bogota, Colombia, renowned for his unique anti crime campaign. Mockus was speaking as part of a debate on crime, hosted by the Human Sciences Research Council and the University of Johannesburg.

South Africa is facing the imminent appointment of African National Congress president Jacob Zuma, who is facing corruption charges, as the country's leader.

Dan Moyane, facilitator of the debate, suggested that a leader should step aside if he was under criminal investigation, in an effort to lead by example.

The country's Minister of Safety and Security Nathi Mthethwa predictably disagreed, however, saying that stepping aside would be an admission of guilt.

Mark Lamberti, chairperson of Business Against Crime, explained that there was a difference between breaking the law and being fit to hold office, and argued that there was a moral line that came long before breaking the law.

Mockus agreed. Mockus's hugely successful anti crime campaign in Bogota involved the reinforcement of moral values and publicly shaming criminals. Public engagement and education meant that people learned respect for human life.

In opposition to most of the panelists' views that poverty and inequality were the underlying causes of crime, Mockus explained, in halting English, that Bogota was a hugely unequal society. He claimed that his success in decreasing violent crime proved that morality was not linked to poverty, wealth or one's position in society.