/ 2 August 2006

Crime-fighting plan to be monitored

AfriForum will monitor the execution of the country’s latest crime-fighting plan to determine its success scientifically, the organisation said on Wednesday.

AfriForum is a civil rights initiative of the trade union Solidarity.

Solidarity boss Kallie Kriel said the government’s new strategy against violent crime — announced by Minister of Safety and Security Charles Nqakula on Tuesday — is a step in the right direction, if it is followed by actual results, and not another public-relations exercise.

”Legal action against the government, as well as [an] international campaign, would not be excluded if real progress were not to follow in the struggle against crime,” he said.

A report in this regard will be released during the first half of 2007 as part of AfriForum’s comprehensive ”Stop the Murders” campaign.

AfriForum will continue its ”Stop the Murders” campaign and collect signatures on petitions.

The suggestions will be handed to President Thabo Mbeki, Kriel said.

AfriForum was negotiating with two researchers at the University of Venda. An announcement will be made once an appointment is finalised, Kriel said. — Sapa