IFP PRESS STATEMENT BY: 
MR VELAPHI NDLOVU MP
IFP SAFETY AND SECURITY SPOKESPERSON

30th June 2008

The Inkatha Freedom Party believes that the latest crime stats released today, don't paint the full picture of the current crime crisis in South Africa and therefore its legitimacy must be questioned, said Mr Velaphi Ndlovu, the IFP Safety and Security Spokesperson today.

Mr Ndlovu commented: "Although is seems that most crimes have decreased significantly, which we welcome, we must unfortunately question these stats.

We know for a fact that there is a huge problem with under-reporting of several crimes.

"For example, rape victims are often discouraged or too scared to report their cases and sometimes they are victimised into withdrawing their cases before they reach the courts.

"The IFP would therefore like to call on all citizens who have been affected by crime, to always report their cases to the police, whether or not they think they will be investigated or not. It is important that we get a true reflection of the magnitude of crime in South Africa.

"Furthermore, we can blame the alarming increase of 50% in crimes at business premises on the rise in poverty and joblessness. It has created a sense of hopeless among many South Africans, which often drives them to crime as a means of survival.

"As the IFP we also believe that a good strategy to combat crime is to have a decentralised police system. We must also empower security officials on the ground to make arrests when needed. The fight against crime is a mammoth task in South Africa and therefore we need as many people as possible to enforce the law.

In conclusion Mr Ndlovu said: "The leadership issue within the SAPS is also a huge hindrance in the fight against crime. As South Africa waits for its top cop, Jackie Selebi, to be prosecuted, the SAPS remain leaderless. For the SAPS to fight crime, and fight it successfully, it is important that we have a leader at the top of the SAPS who can lead by example. This is not currently the case. The fight against crime is not an impossible task, but it can only be successful if the correct leadership and policies are in place."