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The IFP notes with grave concern the shocking crime statistics released today by Police Minister, General Bheki Cele, for the 3rd quarter of the 2020/2021 period, reflecting crimes reported from October to December 2020.
 
Women in our country continue to bear the ultimate brutal brunt of gender-based violence. With over 12 218 people reported to have been raped and a further 5% increase in sexual offences recorded within just three months, we have a long road ahead of us in tackling heinous crimes committed against our women, children and vulnerable groups.
 
We cannot aspire towards recovering our economy and to building a better and stronger society based on our collective values when our crime statistics reflect violence and crimes such as these. We cannot move our country forward when we record a 6.6% increase in murder and other increases in robberies, cash-in-transit heists and farm murders.
 
These statistics reflect that no amount of #StopGBV conferences and an array of other policing talk shops that only talk tough on crime, will deter criminals from committing these injustices against our people.

Further, it is indeed sad that the increase in violent crime overshadows the positive strides being made in other areas of policing in our country, where decreases have been recorded in some provinces.

We call on Minister Bheki Cele to expedite plans in professionalising our police service and in ensuring that all SAPS stations are equipped to effectively and efficiently manage the influx of crimes reported.

Furthermore, we must ensure that our police are adequately trained and equipped with the tools of the trade to serve alongside Community Policing Fora and the Private Security Sector.  We cannot expect our women and men in blue serving on the frontline to do so alone - either in visible policing or to quell gang-related violent crimes in our communities. Fighting crime is a collective effort, which will require societal change.
 
The IFP will closely monitor the performance of SAPS in fighting crime in our country and delivering on their mandate.

Issued by IFP