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Editor's note

Business Against Crime South Africa commended the Minister of Safety and Security, Charles Nqakula, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) for releasing the national crime statistics for the period 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007 three months sooner than previously, on 4 July. The release was regarded as a step forward in terms of what business has been asking for over the years. Business Against Crime believes the prompt release of the crime statistics and trends will enable better analysis and response by both civil society and law enforcement.

"Taking into account the unacceptably high crime rates in our country, a quarterly release of crime statistics and crime trends would be ideal," said Siphiwe Nzimande, chief executive officer, Business Against Crime.

The latest crime statistics reflected an overall decrease of 3,4% in contact crimes. On the whole, in most of the other crime categories, the released crime trends largely correspond with information obtained from Business Against Crime's business sector associates.

"We are, however, concerned with the reversal of the positive gains made in previous years on murder and robberies with aggravating circumstances," said Nzimande.

"It is disappointing to note that this country's crime statistics and trends continue to reflect the prevalence of violence as a strong and growing feature," said Nzimande. "The increase in the murder rates and robbery with aggravating circumstances are particularly concerning. This state of affairs renews our sense of mission and determination to assist Government to successfully combat this scourge."

The partnership between business and Government in the fight against crime has been re-invigorated with the launch of the Anti-Crime Leadership Forum. It has the following four focused integrated work groups:

1. Mobilising society.

2. Reducing violent organised crime.

3. Reviewing the Criminal Justice System.

4. Performance enhancement initiatives.

These working groups, which are co-chaired by ministers and/or deputy ministers as well as prominent business leaders, have developed plans that have been approved by the forum. The implementation of these plans by Government and business, where necessary, are at different stages.

Business is united in support of Government's fight against crime.

The partnership is starting to make a meaningful impact on violent organised crime, particularly in the three identified priority areas of house robberies, vehicle hijacking and business robberies. This is regarded as an area of great urgency and requires making an immediate difference.

Security Risk Management Skills Updating Seminar

Following on from the success of the three previous Security Risk Management Skills Up-dating Seminars, the University of South Africa's Department of Security Risk Management will be holding its fourth seminar on the UNISA Muckleneuk (Pretoria) Campus on 30 August.

The R550 fee includes teas, lunch, a seminar file and data pack, CD with all past seminar papers and current presentations etc.

Enquiries can be directed to Thabang Ubane at +27 (0)11 471 2054 or e-mail [email protected] .

An electronic registration form can be downloaded from www.unisa.ac.za (go to College of Law - School of Criminal Justice - Department of Security Risk Management and Updating Seminar 2007).

Lynne Larsen

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