Hon Chairperson, the ID has mixed feelings about the release of this year's crime statistics because of the allegations of police under-reporting at a number of stations across the country.
Crime statistics are important for planning and budgeting, but it is more important that our people feel safe in their homes, schools, playgrounds and communities. The ID welcomes the 3,4% decrease in murder and the overall decrease in five of the seven contact crime categories measured, but we are still seeing a frightening increase in other forms of violent crime.
The increase in sexual offences is most worrying and shows we have a lot to do to create a society where our women and children feel safe.
Concerning the increase in crime in the small business sector, we need to promote entrepreneurship to grow and transform our economy.
The refusal to release statistics on a regular basis fuels public speculation. It results in a negative perception about crime in our country. Until we deal convincingly with the massive inequalities and the crisis within the social fabric of our society, crime will remain a huge problem in our country. I thank you. [Applause.]