Crime levels are very high….says new Minister

Well, roll me in shit and call me stinky!

Our new Minister of Safety and Security Nathi Mthethwa has acknowledged that the level of crime in South Africa is unacceptably high.

This is of course, no news to us citizens, but it is refreshing to see that, unlike our former minister Charles Nqakula, Mthethwa does live on planet earth.

According to the IOL, Mthethwa has declared bosses of organised crime and corrupt police officers to be his main priorities.

Organised crime, such as ATM bombings and cash-in-transit heists, were also on his list.

"It is not right to deny that crime exists. People who complain about crime are not mad. Crime affects everybody across the racial divide,” said Mthethwa.

"We need to make sure that criminals are not welcome in this country because they violate the rights of law-abiding citizens. We need to make sure that criminals are dealt with accordingly."

Mthethwa also acknowledged the high rate of police deaths. According to police reports, 107 officers were murdered between April last year and March this year.

"It is easy to kill police officers in this country. We need to protect these people who protect our people," said Mthethwa.

While the new Ministers comments are rather positive, the Minister needs to address a number of issues if he were to tackle all of the above.

Firstly, if he is going to go after organised crime- then stop the disbandment of the Scorpions and also reinstate the Narcotics Unit.

And if he wants to prevent police deaths – then he should ensure that our police have the right equipment, training and leadership. (That includes firing Jackie Selebi).

And if he wants to tackle corrupt police – well then, he should empower the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD).

Pretty simple and effective suggestions – just hope he doesn’t sit on them!