Police Commisioner explains crime statistics in Western Cape

By Odette Ismail
10 October 2006

Police Commissioner Mzwandile Petros addressed today business leaders, community representatives and interested members of the public to explain the Western Cape’s position of the National Crime Statistics on 27 September 2006.

He also used the opportunity to hear from industry and how business perceives the crime pattern.

The Commissioner emphasised that crime was decreasing in relation to the 17% decrease in the Western Cape, but that this needs to be sustained and even improved.

Dr Annelie Rabie, CEO of Business against crime in the Western Cape says she does not believe in any form of statistics, but did mention that even though partnership between them and the police are working well, the public needs to understand that they play a vital role in combating crime.

Various issues were raised by business leaders and the public. There were concerns about violence in schools, the recent spate of Somali killings, liquor licences and internal problems concerning the police.

The commissioner did acknowledge these concerns and gave answer to most of the concerns raised. He reiterated that statistics compared to previous financial years have shown positive results, but that more needs to be done.