NORTHERN Cape Premier Zamani Saul said yesterday that crime not only impacted on the safety and well-being of people but it also seriously threatened the economic development of the Northern Cape as a whole.
Saul was speaking at yesterday’s release of the provincial crime statistics by the SAPS.
“The release of the crime statistics provides a barometer to measure whether we are on the right track to ensure the safety, security and development of or people. It also provides us with crucial statistics and indicators on where we need to improve to ensure that we serve, protect and develop not only our people, but communities in general,” Saul said.
He noted that active community involvement in the fight against crime and the promotion of peace and stability was of “cardinal importance”.
“The success in building safer communities requires a partnership approach between government, communities, businesses and non-governmental organisations to work together in a co-ordinated way to develop and implement strategies to address the short- and long-term causes of crime. Well-planned interventions can prevent crime and victimisation, promote community safety and make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of vibrant communities.”
Saul added that government acknowledged the relationship between poverty, inequality, unemployment and crime and its impact on safety outcomes.
“According to the White Paper on Safety and Security (2016), there is substantial evidence that those who live in poverty are more vulnerable to be either perpetrators or victims of crime,” he said.
Saul also pointed out the connection between drugs and crime.
“It has been proven on many an occasion that at the centre of crime, whether serious or petty, is the issue of drugs and other mind-altering substances. The drug trade has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years and this has the potential to completely destroy the future of our young people. At this rate there is a diminished possibility of young people becoming the leaders they are destined to be. For this reason, the Provincial Crime Prevention Strategy will prioritise programmes, including community safety partnerships, anti-substance abuse, prevention of violence against vulnerable groups, prevention of fraud and corruption, and an improved criminal justice system.
“We also call upon our communities and especially the young people to be wary of the pitfalls of substance abuse. We plead with our people to report not only drug dealers in their communities but to take hands with the police and the community policing forums and make our communities crime free, drug free and prosperous communities where all can live, learn and work in safety.
“Similarly, I want to request that the South African Police Service deals extremely harshly with members of the force who are found to be in cahoots with these unscrupulous merchants of pain and suffering. We are killing a generation and as peace officers the punishment should be so much more extreme if found to be wandering to the dark side of crime.”
Saul also called on the SAPS to work closely with other stakeholders in curbing the illegal entry of undocumented foreign nationals.
“We noted in this presentation again, that some foreign nationals are complicit in crimes committed in our Province and this will have a direct link to the growth and development of our Province. If we start with doing the small things right we will inculcate a culture of excellence in our police officers tasked with protecting and serving the people. It will also go a long way in instilling public confidence in the police and boost investor confidence,” Saul said.
“We also note the rise in community protests, more specifically during the run-up to the past elections. We recognise the right of people to air their grievances and to protest, but this must be done within the confines of the law and should not be used as an opportunity to break the law.
“The police must act and act decisively and within their mandate to protect the property of the state and people and also ensure the safety of our citizens. Your efforts will not be criticised as long as this is done within the confines of the law,” Saul concluded.