It is an indisputable fact that South African citizens live for the most part in fear of violent crime and in the knowledge that their safety and security are in peril each and every day of their lives.  The IFP has repeatedly highlighted this national crisis and we continue to lament various national and international research surveys which show that South Africa is one of the most violent and dangerous societies in the world.  

The damage done to our national economy as a result of all manner of criminal behaviour -- which is now obviously systemic and endemic throughout our society -- is incalculable. The human suffering is a tragedy of immense proportions.  

At our recent Annual General Conference, the IFP on crime resolved: 

 1.    To salute the bravery, hard work and sacrifice of the majority of law enforcement personnel and encourage increased remuneration for them; 

2.     To urge Government to prioritize increasing professionalism and high levels of training throughout the criminal justice system; 

3.     To urge citizens to be proactive in supporting community/police forums and other self-help community safety initiatives; 

4.     To urge citizens to immediately and factually report corruption and instances of unprofessional behaviour of police, correctional service and justice department officers and officials; 

5.     To propose that the funds currently allocated to the civilian secretariat (designed to monitor the work of the SAPS but without much achievement) in the nine provinces be redirected to finance, recruit and train more police personnel and build and equip more police stations; 

6.     To actively campaign against the politicization of the SAPS by appointing to key positions individuals without the required professional background and expertise.