Annual crime stats to be revealed today

Minister of Police, Nkosinathi Nhleko, is expected to release the 2013/2014 annual crime statistics in Pretoria today.

According to reports, the 2012/13 figures painted a bleak image of the level of crime in the South Africa.  The numbers portrayed the percentages of serious crimes such as murder, burglary, aggravated robbery and hijackings having gone up.

Looking at the 2012/13 figures, most violent crime categories in South Africa went up. Last year was the third time murder increased in 20 years.

Nathi Mthethwa, who was police minister at the time, revealed that the number of murders had increased by 0.6%. These were however, down by 16.6% over the previous four years, and 27.2% over the previous nine years.

He reported there was a 6.5% increase in attempted murder. This was in contrast to the 16.8% decline over the previous four years and the 51.7% decline over the previous nine years.

At the time, one expert described the crime statistics as “the worst figures seen in 10 years”.

However, national police commissioner,  Riah Phiyega, remained optimistic and said crime in South Africa was under control. “The story of SAPS is a story of assurance and confidence when I look at the crime situation over a period of nine years. You all see that there is a general decline,” she said.

Speaking ahead of the release of the 2013/14 crime statistics on Friday, the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) spokesman Gareth Newham said releasing statistics more frequently would make it easier to pick up crime trends.

“The more frequently released the better, the more detailed… the better. Crime has emerging trends and we can’t have a measure where you wait a year later to release them.  It should be monitored monthly.”

Mr Newham also said the statistics should not be seen as police property.

“If you want to reduce violence, look at early childhood development, it is a sustainable way to reduce violence,” Newham said. “The nature of murder in South Africa is driven by socio-economic conditions.”

He added that crime statistics were not a direct reflection of police performance and that the police were “certainly working harder”.

“We have a shortage of social workers. The police can’t deal with the factors that lead to violence. The police can’t fix policing on its own.”

“There was a remarkable increase in business robberies, about a 300% increase,” he continued. “These crimes are largely syndicated. You need to identify the syndicates. Good crime intelligence is fundamental.”

During a meeting with the ISS, Mr Nhleko indicated he was willing to engage with the ISS. “If the minister was able to change things, he will. Crime is affecting all of us. We all want the same thing.”

A follow up article will follow once the annual crime statistics are released.