DA tackles govt about crime
2006-01-29 20:16
Johannesburg - Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon visited crime victims in Eldorado Park and Soweto on Saturday, and on Sunday slammed the government about the shortage of police in townships.
"Few people can afford the private security that is enjoyed by the wealthy," he said.
"In Soweto, the police are short of 68 detectives.
" They are also short of 412 crime-prevention officers. There is clearly an urgent need for more officers and equipment."
Leon visited the mother of a 20-year-old girl who had been raped and murdered three weeks ago.
"The police have failed to arrest any suspects. Meanwhile, she and her neighbours live in fear."
He also visited the family of raped and murdered six-year-old Ghairoenisha Ganchi.
Ghairoenisha was found dead a few kilometres from her Eldorado Park home in October last year.
Leon said: "For a long time, the ANC has tried to dismiss crime as a whites-only issue. But crime affects black, coloured and Indian communities."
- SAPA