Respect Needed To Turn Tide Against Crime

MEDIA STATEMENT RELEASED BY:
MR VELAPHI NDLOVU MP
IFP SPOKESPERSON FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY

March 13, 2007

The Inkatha Freedom Party's Spokesperson for Safety and Security, Velaphi Ndlovu MP, today once again voiced his concern about the high levels of crime in the country, especially abuse and crime against children.

"The discovery of the body of seven-year-old Sheldean Human of Pretoria and that of murdered eleven-year-old Annestacia Wiese of Mitchells Plain has once again brought home the soaring and unacceptable levels of serious crime in South Africa," said Mr Ndlovu.

"The IFP agrees with a recent report by the United States Department of State that notes that the levels and the magnitude of crime in South Africa could be considered as human rights violations against the citizens of this country.

"Among the crimes it notes as human rights violations are a staggering 23 453 children raped, 1075 murdered and 20 879 assaulted last year alone. The report states that the number of violations can be laid at government's door, because it fails to provide a safe and secure climate - the IFP fully agrees with this point.

"We are clearly living in a society that is in desperate need of moral regeneration. We must heed Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi's call that at a deeper level, we need to go back to basics and inculcate a respect agenda among our youth.  A transforming society, such as ours, need not be an uncivilised society. If South Africa wants to turn the tide against crime, we must urgently bring back a sense of respect in our schools, communities, townships and cities," concluded Mr Ndlovu.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr Velaphi Ndlovu: 083 625 0803
Liezl van der Merwe: 083 611 7470