The slight decrease in the murder rate, a slight drop in sexual offences and rape and a dip in robbery with aggravating circumstances is welcome news and mark early signs that the government and police top brass are finally taking the plight of citizens seriously.
Still, it is too early to celebrate. Violence against women and children remains stubbornly high and on the rise. Attempted murder increased, as did assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. Commercial crime increased by a staggering 18.5%.
What is heartening however, is the approach by minister Senzo Mchunu who conceded that SA continued to face “war-like crime statistics” and is “battling the growing menace of organised crime”. He also conceded that crime intelligence, technology and forensics in the police are not nearly where they should be.
It is in boosting capacity in these areas that a real dent will be made in combating crime. It is hardly surprising that crime intelligence is broken. The institution was hollowed out during the state capture project under the tenure of former president Jacob Zuma. Three senior former members, including its former boss Richard Mdluli, are on trial for allegedly looting its slush fund.
It is time for Mchunu to get to work in sorting out the leadership crisis in the SAPS and in crime intelligence. He does not have the luxury of low expectations given his track record in a previous stint as water minister.
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