How to cut crime - Zuma

2009-11-19 18:01

Johannesburg - Informal settlements need to be developed to reduce crime, President Jacob Zuma said in Johannesburg on Thursday.

"Informal settlements are where many problems are. If we can develop them there'll be a big percentage drop in crime," Zuma told a group of journalists outside the Tembisa police station following his unannounced visit to the area.

Zuma, accompanied by chief operations officer in the presidency Jesse Duarte and Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa, were in a meeting with the station commissioner for more than 30 minutes.

On his arrival the commissioner, George Manganya was nowhere to be found. He arrived minutes later not dressed in his uniform. When asked about the discussions in the meeting Zuma, was said he was provided with crime statistics.

More satellite police stations

"According to the commissioner they're working very hard. He also indicated that they've been working well with the CPF [Community Policing Forum]."

Also raised in the meeting was the need for additional satellite police stations in informal settlements.

Earlier Zuma visited residents of Madelakufa, who mentioned incompetent councillors, unhealthy living conditions, lack of clean drinking water and electricity as well as sanitation as their problems.

Zuma said the fact that councillors were not addressing these problems almost 14 years since the informal settlement came into being, was a "serious problem".

He intended raising this with the ANC provincially and regionally.
 

- SAPA