Provincial business crime forum launched

FOLLOWING the recent release of crime statistics it was evident that business robberies were on the increase, despite the best efforts to curb crime by the SAPS and businesses themselves.

The provincial commissioner of police in KwaZulu-Natal, Lt Gen Mmamonnye Ngobeni, felt there was still an opportunity for the SAPS, business and the private security industry to save the situation and fight business related crime in a co-ordinate and disciplined fashion.

On Wednesday 30 October the provincial commissioner met with various stake holders including the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC), shopping retailers, banks and security companies to map a way forward. All parties elected not to point fingers, but rather to work together to find solutions on how to deal with crimes affecting businesses.

A forum was formed consisting of SAPS, Business Against Crime, SABRIC, retail supermarkets, NPA and security companies. This forum will meet regularly to come up with strategies to fight crime, ensure that everything is done to implement these strategies as well as monitor and evaluate progress.

“This partnership comes at the right time and will be put to the test as we are preparing for the festive season shopping rush,” Lt Gen Ngobeni said.

“All role-players were very positive and felt that this new forum can make a dent into the crimes affecting businesses,” she added.

Lt Gen Ngobeni was very pleased with the positive response from business.

“I will be the first to acknowledge that police alone cannot solve the crime situation in this province and we need to partner with those that are affected to find workable solutions. We are convinced that this strong partnership will be felt by

criminals in this province,” she said.