SA 2014: Heupvuur vir program 6

Erns Grundling

Anton du Plessis is hoof van die Misdaad- en Justisieprogram aan die Instituut vir Sekerheidstudies (ISS). Hy is eerskomende Sondag 'n ateljeegas by die SA 2014-program wat om 20:00 uitgesaai word op kykNET. LitNet het hom gepeper met vrae oor misdaad.

1. Misdaad in Suid-Afrika: gaan dit beter of slegter raak?

Violent crime has been steadily decreasing over recent years. I expect this trend to continue for a few more years and then remain stable. Organised crime should decrease with the added law enforcement focus and technology. In short, I think the outlook is positive in the sense that crime will probably decrease slightly. However, we should not lose sight of the fact that the levels are currently unacceptable and a major decrease is required if we want to see acceptable levels in this country.

2. Wat sou jy sê is die vernaamste redes vir Suid-Afrika se buitengewoon hoë misdaadsyfers?

There are no easy explanations for crime in any society. Crime is caused by multiple factors that interact in a complex way. Some of the factors that have been associated with the high incidence of crime in South Africa are: the cycles of violence linked to the socio-political transition, poverty and under-development, the impact of the proliferation of firearms, changes in the demographic composition of the population, rapid urbanisation together with poor urban planning and maintenance, and a weak criminal justice system.

Culture of violence: Some explanations for the high rates of violent crime refer to the South Africa's violent socio-political history. Black, coloured and Indian families suffered from institutional violence for decades through the disruption of their lives by mass removals, land dispossession and the migrant labour policies of colonial administrations and apartheid. These upheavals might have led to the breakdown of family structures and poor social control. The struggle against apartheid was also violent, with liberation movements leading violent campaigns against the black local governments and the police. Many young people in the townships were involved in the violent destabilisation of the apartheid system. However, since 1994 there have been no formal social reintegration processes for most youths, particularly those who never went into exile.

Poverty and under-development: Although it is difficult to prove a direct link between poverty and crime, research has shown that violent crime in particular tends to be high in poor communities. Such crimes include assault, rape and child abuse and neglect. At a community and neighbourhood level, violent crime is influenced by factors such as overcrowding, poor housing design, and a lack of infrastructure and development. Most residential areas inhabited by the poor, particularly the informal settlements, tend to be overcrowded with little living space for individuals and families. In many of these areas, families share stands and are without basic amenities such as water taps, toilets, and, in some instances, electricity. Apart from the increased risk faced by people who must walk to reach these amenities, such conditions can create ongoing tensions between individuals and families, and may eventually lead to conflict. Poor areas also tend to lack facilities such as streetlights, open travel routes and well-maintained public spaces, which are essential for both the police and the public in helping to prevent crime.

Proliferation of firearms: According to the firearm central register, the total number of firearms registered to individuals in October 2002 was 3 654 434. If not properly controlled and used, many of these legal weapons fall into the hands of criminals. In addition, it is estimated that about 500 000 illegal firearms are in circulation in South Africa. Inadequate border control makes it possible for arms smugglers to bring large quantities of firearms into the country. Because of the oversupply of small arms in the region these sell cheaply, making them accessible in South Africa, where they are frequently used to commit crime or settle disputes.

Changes in demographic composition of the population: Crime is generally committed by youths between the ages of 14 and 25 years. Crime figures show that young men are more at risk of being convicted for a wide range of crimes, and of being victims, than older men or females of any age group. South Africa has a very youthful population: over 53 percent of the population are under 24 years. Youths between 15 and 24 years constitute 21 percent of this age category. These demographics are particularly problematic in a country where there are limited jobs and skills development opportunities. Many young people who complete their studies end up on the streets unemployed and prone to engage in criminal activities.

Rapid urbanisation: Crime rates are generally high in cities and urban areas. South African cities and towns are growing rapidly as many people from rural areas try to escape poverty by seeking opportunities in urban areas. However, limited job opportunities subject many of these newcomers to urban poverty associated with overcrowding, lack of social and economic development, and increasing consumer demanders. All these conditions have been liked to high crime rates. Exacerbating the problems of rapid urbanisation are those brought about by poor urban planning and maintenance. Bad traffic planning, and poor lighting and town planning increase opportunities for crimes to be committed.

Inadequate performance of the criminal justice system: While a weak criminal justice system is not a cause of crime, it does have a detrimental effect on public feelings of safety and fear of crime. More importantly, the speedy detection and prosecution of offenders helps to deter some criminals from committing crime.

3. Hoe 'n groot rol speel onwettige immigrante in Suid-Afrika se huidige misdaadsituasie?

I think that this is overestimated in South Africa. The recent national victims of crime survey that was conducted by the ISS found that most people felt that crime was committed predominantly by people born and living in their area.

4. Hoe 'n groot rol speel internasionale dwelmsindikate en bende-aktiwiteite in Suid-Afrika se huidige misdaadsituasie?

Drugs are a major problem in SA, one that is going to burgeon in years to come. The consequences for crime do not relate only to the drug-dealing and drug lord aspects, but also to the indirect effects of drug addiction and abuse, not to mention the criminal act of consuming and dealing.

5. Watter boodskap het jy vir die publiek daar buite wat bekommerd is oor hulle eie en hul geliefdes se veiligheid?

Violent crime is the major challenge facing this country. It is well known that SA has one of the highest violent crime rates in the world. However, this is still a fantastic place to live, and we all need to work together to fight the scourge of crime. People should also be encouraged to increase the target hardening of their homes. Where people cannot afford to do this the government should assist (e.g. installing burglar bars etc).

6. Is ons Suid-Afrikaanse samelewing buitengewoon blootgestel aan misdaad, in so 'n mate dat ons blasé en selfs ongeërg raak oor al die misdaadstatistiek?

The levels of crime in SA are very high and the media use every opportunity to report on it. Crime sells, and the media know it. I do think that we have become desensitised to the levels of violent crime, but there is a growing sentiment that something needs to be done to put a brake on it.

7. Hoe 'n groot rol het die verandering van regime in 1994 gespeel in die afgelope tien jaar se misdaadvlakke?

Crime stats before 1994 are not a good indication of the crime levels at that time. The info was not reliable, and furthermore, did not include the stats from the independent homelands. Incorporating these after '94 caused the crime stats to increase a lot. Also, black people in SA did not make full use of the official criminal justice system before '94.

8. Doen die regering genoeg wat misdaadvoorkoming betref? Wat kan nog gedoen word?

The government has done a lot to fight crime since '94. It has been a steep learning curve for everyone, and I have no doubt that more can be done. This question requires a lengthy answer that I will provide on the show on Sunday.

9. Hoe dink jy gaan Suid-Afrika se misdaadsituasie daar uitsien in die jaar 2014?

Violent crime levels will have stabilised at about the levels we are seeing now, perhaps slightly lower. Interpersonal crime levels will also remain mostly the same, although we might see an increase in the reporting levels as people gain more confidence in the system and more attention is focused on providing better services for victims of crime, especially women and children.

Organised crime and corruption should decrease; more specialised units and advanced technology will impact on these crime levels.



LitNet: 5 Augustus 2004

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