ALCOHOL consumption is the root of all crime, according to the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele. Cele was speaking at a press conference in Durban on Tuesday, to deliver a report on the South Aftican Police Service Safer festive campaign.
Generally, there was an overall improvement in many aspects, which Cele attributes to police clamping down hard on alcohol.
“Alcohol plays a big role in generating crime,” he said, adding, “I am convinced that alcohol remains the enemy of our society and is a main driver of many contact crimes.”
The festive season, according to the SAPS calendar, extends from 15 October to 11 January. Some of the key stats revealed by the Minister included:
*National murder rate declined by 1.4% from 2018.
*Sexual offences decreased by 9.9% from 2018
*Property related crime, such as burglary at residential and non-residential premises, theft out of vehicles and stock theft decreased by 10.2%
*24,827 drunk drivers were arrested by police for driving under the influence, 4048 more than in 2018.
*6,124 liquor stores and taverns were found to be non-compliant
*4,831 firearms were confiscated during the period in question.
*Carjacking and truck high jacking increased by 11% and 9% respectively from last year.
*388 suspects were arrested in motor-related theft.
Cele also asked citizens to surrender their illegal guns before the amnesty period ends in May this year.
So far, about 2200 guns have been surrendered, with 339 in KwaZulu-Natal.
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