Minister in the Presidency, Trevor Manuel says “active citizenship produces results” and is vital in the fight against crime.
The Minister was speaking during Crime Line’s 5th Anniversary celebrations held at Montecasino, Johannesburg this morning.
With a new look and renewed commitment to the fight against crime, Crime Line celebrated its birthday with over 3 000 arrests and over R40-million in seizures. The arrests include 21 of South Africa’s most wanted criminals.
Crime Line will in the coming months partner with the SAPS in a national campaign in a bid to put South Africa’s Most Wanted criminals behind bars.
Head of Crime Line, Yusuf Abramjee said that the tip-off service have received over 17 000 tip-offs in past five years.
“While we celebrate our successes, these figures are still not enough. We need more tip-offs from the community and we need more arrests and prosecutions. Far too many citizens are keeping quiet and protecting criminals. Don’t be scared! Break your silence and let’s reclaim our streets. Crime Line is totally anonymous. Use your fingers and SMS 32211,” said Abramjee.
During her address National Police Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega said the country needed patriotic citizens in the fight against crime. She praised Crime Line and Crime Stop for their role in empowering citizens to blow the whistle on crime.
“We are proud to be involved in a public-private partnership in whistle-blowing. It allows our communities to become our eyes and ears in the community,” said General Phiyega, who vowed that the South African Police Service would deliver on its mandate to ensure that citizens feel safe.
General Phiyega said that the increase in calls and SMSs to Crime Stop and Crime Line was an encouraging indication that the public wants to be part of the fight against crime and partner with the SAPS.
Manuel imparted advice to National Police Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega, saying that the war on crime could not be won without the support of every member of the public.
“You will not succeed in this unless we engender the support of every member of the South African public. There is no lesson of successful crime prevention in the world without the support of communities.”
He specifically raised his concern about the scourge of drug abuse and dealing, terming it “chemical warfare” on the citizens of South Africa.
“Drugs are not just about consumption and sale, it is about the destruction of communities and families…We need to get to the root of the problem and uplift our communities.”
He called on South Africans ahead of Mandela Day on July 18 to join hands and identify drug dealers in their communities and share the information with the police to act.
Abramjee indicated that 80 percent of Crime Line arrests are drug related. He called on General Phiyega to revive the specialised narcotic units to tackle the problem.
Meawhile Gauteng and Western Cape Provincial Commissioners, Lieutenant-General Mzwandile Petros and Lieutenant-General Arno Lamoer both received awards of excellence from Crime Line.
The awards are in recognition of the accomplishments of and contributions made to Crime Line in the fight against crime.
Members of the public can pass on information anonymously by SMSing Crime Line on 32211, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit it online at www.crimeline.co.za.
From Left: Head of Crime Line, Yusuf Abramjee; Primedia CEO, Kuben Pillay; National Police Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega; Minister in the Presidency, Trevor Manuel and Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela.
The new Crimeline logo.
For Media enquiries and photos, please contact Marisa Oosthuizen on 071 475 4414 or at MarisaO@primedia.co.za
For the latest updates and news follow @CrimeLineZA on Twitter.
♦ End
