National crime stats steals spotlight from news of likely interest rate cut
If news of a likely interest rate cut due to slowing inflation felt like the first flush of springtime, it quickly frosted over in the chill of the latest national crime statistics.
The reported sharp increases in several crime categories -- among them commercial crimes and kidnappings -- has for many killed off any post-election optimism that now recedes like a frothy wave back into a sea of same old. More murders, more violence against women, and more chance of being extorted by a rogue army of criminals – enough to strip the gloss off any postcard view of South Africa.
The human cost, of lives and trauma, is incalculable. So too is the business cost, for we will never know what the South African economy could look like were it not for recurring crime waves impacting every level of society.
Without reliable law enforcement and criminal justice, government is highly unlikely to deliver on its mandate of socio-economic development. And the longer the delay in reversing the unemployment trend, the worse our crime rate, and the swifter the downward spiral for those most affected.
That said, we should appreciate the daily sacrifice of thousands of police officers literally in the firing line, without whom this country would not function. These men and women urgently require more support.
The Memorandum of Understanding between the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town and South African Police Services is at least acknowledgement of the need for collective effort in confronting this scourge. The MoU seeks to galvanise an urgent response to increasing crime.
Civil society also has a role to play; neighbourhood watch initiatives play an important role, particularly in under-resourced areas. Business stakeholders should harness their networks to address sector-specific challenges. Every bit helps.
A springtime of respite in the form of less load shedding and interest rate cuts will mean little if we remain trapped in a season of lawlessness and fear.
John Lawson
CEO of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry