TOGETHER WE CAN COMBAT CRIME IN SOUTH AFRICA

Crime is a prominent issue in South Africa. We have an extraordinary high rate of murders, assaults, rapes (adults,child and infant) and any other crimes compared to other countries particularly in Africa. The annual crime statistics released in 2011 show a continuing downward trend except rape which went up by 2.1 percent.  The individuals who commit crime they are our brothers, sisters and friends and they live within our communities.

• Why do not we report them since we know that they are criminals.
• Why do we hide and not expose them to the police?
• Why do not we work together with the police in fighting and reducing crime?

It is rather annoying in the country to have residents who perceive police as their enemies, while they are trying to protect us. Let us be their eyes and ears for any crime and corruption that takes place in our communities.

Moreover, the South African prison should change the way in which prisoners are treated. I think there is nothing which criminals may be fear to commit crime since they know that they will be treated as a king in the prison. They should be treated accordingly even though, they might not be treated like the way apartheid regime did. Ineffective communication and relationship between the police and the communities is the major cause that needs to be enhanced in order to combat crime in our country. The police should build a sustainable relationship with the public by convincing them that they are there to protect us they are not against us. Together we can end crime in our country.