Radical Change Needed to Combat Crime

During the first 3 months of 2022, South Africa suffered 6,083 murders and 10,818 cases of rape. This equates to a staggering and heart-breaking reality of 68 murders and 120 rapes every single day!

?These are but only two of the shocking and dismal crime statistics delivered by Police Minister General Bheki Cele during the release of the Quarter Four Crime Statistics 2021/2022.

?“These recent crime statistics are horrendous and beyond concerning,” says Ryan Ravens, CEO, Accelerate Cape Town - a business leadership organisation representing top-tier corporate business in the province. “With the number of rape cases reflecting only those reported, due to so many victims choosing not to come forward, we can but only shudder at what the real statistic actually is.”

?Add to that, an increase of 22,2% in the number of murders, of which a staggering 2,268 were committed in public spaces and thus, in full view. “Our people are not safe – be it at home, on public transport or simply going about their daily lives,” stresses Ravens. “And our criminals clearly have no fear of the law or punishment.”

?These dire statistics are a clear indictment of an incompetent and ineffective police force that is failing every single citizen of this beautiful country. The impact is horrific and life changing traumas for so many innocent South Africans – 188 families devastated every day by murder and rape.

?What hope is there for our youth, exposed daily at impressionable ages, to a never-ending onslaught of violence and trauma? How can we expect to raise a future generation of competent and functional adults if our youth are living their lives cowering, fearful and deeply traumatised!

?We need to break this cycle! And we need to break it now!

?South Africa has become a violent and brutal place to live. This has been exacerbated by a police service that has been decimated by a succession of incompetent and corrupt individuals, all of whom took an oath to protect and serve the country. Former National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane who, together with his co-accused (all former high-ranking officials), stands accused of fraudulent activities and theft to the value of R191m, serves as merely one example of the level of corruption and incompetence amongst SAPS leadership that has left even the most dedicated officers completely demotivated and hopeless.

?We live in an increasingly lawless society.?Crime has brought South Africa to its knees and there can be no hope for economic prosperity and transformation if the current status quo prevails. Of critical concern is the added risk of mob justice perpetrated by citizens having no faith in our law enforcement, believing no other recourse exists. The rule of law is collapsing at an incredibly disheartening pace as the nation loses trust in its police.

?What is needed is a shift in the balance of power between the management and oversight of our police services. Currently, national government manages our police services across each province with provincial government having oversight. “This needs to change,” stresses Ravens. “Crime is so often driven by specific nuances, particular to each region.?For law enforcement to be truly effective, it needs local management together with a deep understanding of both the local environment and its associated dynamics.”

?“We live in an increasingly data driven world,” continues Ravens. “What this gives us is valuable insight into patterns and incidences that, if utilized correctly, can deliver enormous benefit. An enhanced and far more detailed view of criminal activity brings with it not only the possibility for a far more proactive response but also solution-driven initiatives based on fact and not conjecture.”

?Trust is earned. And, right now, most of our citizens have no faith in our police services. This is further compounded by an apparent culture of apathy and despondency, rather than one of service and excellence.

?“The safety and security of South Africa, and all its people, is a burning issue. And yet, there appears no urgency from national government to affect the changes necessary to rectify this devastating situation,” stresses Ravens.

?The number of murders and rapes in South Africa exceed the total number of war crimes committed in Ukraine over a similar number of days. Yet, where is the outcry from our country’s leaders??Why are our police services, and those in charge, not being held accountable? For how much longer will South Africa need to suffer incompetent police ministers and senior officials?

?“It is time,” emphasises Ravens. “It is time for every single citizen to be as equally devastated, distraught and vocal around events transpiring in South Africa as many are by events impacting the lives of innocent adults and children elsewhere.”

?Today, in our country, there are 188 families – the trajectory of whose lives will be irrevocably changed due to another act of senseless violence! Tomorrow will be the same, and every day after that until the necessary changes are made.