Thank you, Deputy Speaker. The ANC is committed to intensifying the campaign at all levels to reduce crime, especially the proliferation of illegal weapons and drugs, corruption and fraudulent activities, the abuse of women, children and the elderly and family violence.
Yesterday morning the SA Institute of Race Relations released a report on crime in the country. The report indicates serious crimes have declined by 10% since the advent of democracy in 1994. The murder rate has declined by 42% over the past 12 years. The rate of aggravated robbery has also declined by 11% over the same period. The findings are in many respects consistent with the official crime statistics recently released by the Minister of Safety and Security.
The ANC calls on the people, civil society and the business community to work hand in hand with the police to eradicate the curse of crime that continues to afflict our society. I thank you.