Don't rubbish SA over violence - Zuma
2013-03-07 12:03
Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma has condemned the recent
spate of violent crime, particularly against women and children, and has called
for a universal response to combat it.
"However, in expressing our disgust, we should not lose
sight of the fact that the overwhelming majority of the 52 million South
Africans are peaceful, caring, law-abiding citizens," he told the National
House of Traditional Leaders at Parliament on Thursday.
"They love their country. They do their best each day
to make South Africa a better place. Therefore, when expressing outrage, we
should be careful not to then paint all South Africans as violent and brutal.
We should be careful not to rubbish our country," he said.
Faith in humanity
South Africans should not and could not lose faith in their
own humanity and collective ability to correct the wrongs in their country.
"We also dare not portray our beautiful country as an
inherently violent place to live in," he said.
South Africa was a stable, peaceful country. Like all
countries, there were elements which conducted themselves in a shocking and
unacceptable manner.
"And like all countries, we will search for solutions.
"We have all been correctly angered by the rogue
elements and criminals who molest women and children and commit other extreme
forms of violence."
Others burned and looted properties during what should be
peaceful protests.
The outrage expressed by the people at such recent violence
was most welcome as it indicated South Africans had not lost their sense of
right and wrong.
"Using this positive trait, we must now work closely
together to find solutions."
Rebuild moral fibre of society
Traditional leaders were well placed to work with the
government and other sectors to rebuild the moral fibre of society. It was
important to look at the causes, while also addressing the symptoms of the
sickness.
The police were dealing with the symptoms in relation to
criminal activities. As far as general crime was concerned, the levels had
decreased over the years.
However, crimes against women and children remained high and
of concern.
But, the police continued to make inroads. During the past
financial year, over 363 life sentences had been secured, with a conviction
rate of 73% for crimes against women above 18, and 70% for crimes against
children under 18.
"With the support of the community, most suspects in
the high profile rape and domestic violence cases have been arrested.
"I have also directed the justice, crime prevention,
and security cluster to implement measures to nip violent protests in the bud.
We are doing this to build a culture of responsibility, accountability, respect
for authority and respect for one another," Zuma said.
- SAPA
