| Government's position on crime
statistics is just one example of a government which has seemingly become very sensitive
to any criticism, particularly on crime, whether violent or corruption. Government should
accept that while SA is still in transition, crime will be high. The way to deal with it
is, however, to scrutinise it very openly in the broader context of a democracy which is
being established. Criticism of the state of the nation is surely not equivalent to
disloyalty,but indicative of an aspiration to higher standards. |
In the middle of last year the
National Commissioner of Police suspended the publication of crime statistics - the
rationale was that an improvement was required. This reason may have had some validity,
but it,also seemed as if government was adhering to the position that "ignorance is
bliss". It also raised suspisions that the data may be "massaged"
favourably, when publication is resumed. There has been no indication of the latter. |
