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President Jacob Zuma has lauded the anonymous tip-off service, Crime Line for its contribution in the fight against crime in South Africa.

Zuma was speaking after cutting the Crime Line 5th Anniversary cake ahead of an interview on Talk Radio 702 / 567 Cape Talk in Johannesburg this morning.

Zuma said: “I appreciate this joint venture, which is absolutely important for our society. As you know crime is our number one enemy and I know that at times people misunderstand this, because we are one country that is fighting crime, therefore the crime in South is reported more than in any other country.”

He said that the global impression was that South Africa was leading in crime, but pointed out that the country was rather the leader in violent crime.

“We are one of the few countries that take (the) trouble to fight crimes and this cooperation is one of the most important ones between the media, the police and society. It allows society to participate by using the number 32211 to say here’s a crime being committed.

“Crime Line’s results are tangible and this shows it is working…I think we should all encourage this initiative and join hands. It will absolutely help. Thank you very much for this and that we are now 5 years and I’m sure when we are 10 years, we would have done even more,” said Zuma.

Crime Line is a partnership between the Primedia Group, supported by other media organisations and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Head of Crime Line, Yusuf Abramjee, told President Zuma that over 3 000 arrests have been recorded and over R41-million worth of seizures have been made.

“We have to strengthen the partnership between the public, the police and the media. It is exactly what Crime Line is doing. While we in the media hold authorities accountable, we cannot sit on the sidelines and watch the scourge of crime continuing. This tip-off service has made its mark and it will continue to do so. We have to try and improve the arrest and conviction rate,” he added.

Speaking at Crime Line’s 5th Anniversary recently, Minister in the Presidency, Trevor Manuel and National Police Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega also praised Crime Line for creating a safer South Africa.

Manuel said the time had come to tackle the so-called “chemical warfare” on communities and expose drug dealers. Almost 80% of tip-offs and arrests to Crime Line are drug related.

General Phiyega said the partnership between Crime Stop and Crime Line was making a difference and an increase in tip-offs have been recorded over the past year.

Abramjee thanked President Zuma for supporting initiatives such as Crime Line and taking the time to celebrate the tip-off service’s birthday.

Members of the public can pass on information about criminal activity anonymously to Crime Line via the 32211 SMS number, online at www.crimeline.co.za<http://www.crimeline.co.za> or by contacting Crime Stop on 08600 10111.