BACSA on Today's Release of the National Crime Statistics

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Dr Graham Wright, CEO of Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA), in response to the release today in Parliament by the Minister of Police, Mr E.M. Mthethwa, says that “Today’s statistics reflect a mixed bag of results, where reductions in reported crime in some categories are dampened by significant increases in other categories such as Aggravated Robberies, Sexual Offences and Commercial Crime.”

“At a holistic level, we remain deeply concerned at the high level of crime and violence in the country. This reinforces our resolve as a business community to work closely with Government to root out criminal elements and reduce the opportunities for crime in the business sector (both formal and informal, big and small),” says Dr Wright.

“The increase in Robbery with Aggravating Circumstances remains of particular concern, and especially the increases in the Trio crimes (i.e., Business Robberies, Residential Robberies and Vehicle and Truck Hijackings). These crimes are problematic for the business community and citizens, and consequently remain a high priority for both business and Government. However, we are encouraged that the Minister has identified direct measures to address these crimes as a priority”, says Dr Wright.

“BACSA acknowledge and supports the pro-active stance taken by the Minister of Police and National Commissioner with respect to dealing with the prevailing levels of crime and violence in the country. The commitment by Government to tackle crime head-on has been matched by actions - including the filling of critical positions in the forefront of the fight against crime (the head of the DPCI and head of Crime Intelligence), the auditing of skills levels within the SAPS, the augmenting of Crime Intelligence and the improvement of the Criminal Justice System. Whilst these actions have yet to reap the desired results, Government’s visible leadership in tackling crime is promising,” says Dr Wright.

“Over the past few years, the business community has mobilised significantly against the wave of crime and continues to work closely with Government to develop joint solutions. Business’ focus is implementing crime prevention measures and providing direct support to the law enforcement agencies. We are concerned about the displacement of crime from one area of business to another and consequently need to focus joint efforts across the full spectrum of business, particularly small businesses which are being progressively targeted.”

“We support Government’s focus on addressing Residential Robberies through the alignment of the private security industry in such areas as the Honeydew cluster”.

“Today’s release reinforces the need for a strengthened partnership between business, civil society and Government to tackle the challenge of crime and we welcome the commitment of the Minister to deepen these partnerships,” says Dr Wright.

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