NNP: No quick-fix for crime

2003-06-04 20:53

Cape Town - The current levels of crime, especially organised, gang-related crime, were the result of decades of neglect which allowed criminal organisations to take root among communities, Western Cape premier Marthinus van Schalkwyk said on Wednesday.

Addressing a New National Party meeting in Stellenbosch, he said the problem had built up over a long period and there were no quick-fix solutions.

"The best, and only sustainable approach is to tackle crime head-on, in partnership with all communities, and on a number of fronts," Van Schalkwyk said.

He said the African National Congress/NNP coalition had in the last six months increased the number of police in the province by more than 1 400.

"We have brought together the minority and majority communities in a coalition government which puts delivery on issues such as community safety ahead of smaller political differences."

The premier said the coalition had also forged new relationships with other spheres of government, which had brought real and measurable advantages for people in the Western Cape.

"In the battle to reclaim our streets from the criminals, this new cooperation and partnership has already seen wide-spread improvements," Van Schalkwyk said.

- SAPA