Statistics not likely to reflect improvement in fight against crime
THE latest annual crime statistics due to be released on Friday are not likely to reflect an improvement in the general fight against crime, and the prevalence of contact crimes is expected to show a deterioration, the DA said on Thursday.Speaking to reporters in Parliament, DA MPs Zakhele Mbhele and Marius Redelinghuys said an increase in prevalence across crime categories should be expected due to systemic problems in the South African Police Service (SAPS).The briefing by the DA came a day before the release of the annual crime figures by Police Minister Nathi Nhleko and acting police commissioner Kgomotso Phahlane.Issues in the SAPS which require urgent resolution are a lack of resources, poorly trained personnel, staff attrition and a shortage of specialised equipment.Mbhele said that, while Phahlane inspired more confidence as a leader than suspended commissioner Riah Phiyega, low conviction rates for serious crimes sent out a message that crime does pay."These stats are entir...
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