Crime still a serious threat in the country

By Ofentse Mokae
22 September 2009

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa accompanied by national police commissioner Bheki Cele today released crime statistics for the 2008/09 financial year.

These statistics according Mthethwa are used in the management of crime combating by the SAPS.

Statistics shows that business robbery cases increased by over 41-percent compared to the previous year.

Aggravated robberies saw an increase in three areas, namely business robberies, house robberies and hijackings.

But the highest increase was recorded in business robberies.

The minister acknowledged the progress made in crime combating however he also admitted that much still much needed to be done.

Meanwhile earlier the Democratic Alliance slammed the decision by the Police ministry to hold the meeting with the portfolio committee behind closed doors.

DA shadow minister for police Dianne Kohler-Barnard says the Constitution requires that Parliament conduct its business in an open and transparent manner.

“Holding this session behind closed doors, and then holding a press conference immediately afterwards, gives off the impression that the minister is trying to stage-manage the release of crime statistics, instead of allowing due parliamentary process to be followed,” Kohler-Barnard said.

Kohler-Barnard says the public including the media has a right to hear the minister account before parliament for the crime rate in South Africa.