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Big jump in S Africa sex offences Big jump in S Africa sex offences
(11 minutes later)
The latest crime statistics in South Africa show a slight decrease in the murder rate but a sharp rise in house robberies and sexual offences.The latest crime statistics in South Africa show a slight decrease in the murder rate but a sharp rise in house robberies and sexual offences.
While the murder rate has fallen by 3%, this still represent more than 18,000 killings per year and is one of the highest rates in the world.While the murder rate has fallen by 3%, this still represent more than 18,000 killings per year and is one of the highest rates in the world.
Sexual offences have risen by 10%, which the government partly attributes to a broadening of the definition. Sexual offences have risen by 10%, which the government partly attributes to the inclusion of attacks on men.
Officials insist that security is not a problem at the 2010 Football World Cup.Officials insist that security is not a problem at the 2010 Football World Cup.
This is being hosted by South Africa - the first time the event has been held on the continent - and the country is expecting hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors.This is being hosted by South Africa - the first time the event has been held on the continent - and the country is expecting hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors.
Opposition parties have criticised the government's record on crime.Opposition parties have criticised the government's record on crime.
The overall crime rate shows a slight rise - mainly due to a sharp increase in robberies. Thefts in business have shot up by 41%. Overall, some 2.1m serious crimes were recorded in the past year - a slight rise.
This is mainly due to a sharp increase in robberies. Thefts in business have shot up by 41%.
'Not safe''Not safe'
Police Minister Nkosinathi Mthethwa told Parliament in Cape Town that a collaborative effort was needed in the fight against crime.Police Minister Nkosinathi Mthethwa told Parliament in Cape Town that a collaborative effort was needed in the fight against crime.
CRIME IN SOUTH AFRICA Up Sexual offences: 71,500 - 10% rise Residential robberies: 18,400 - 27% riseBusiness robberies: 13,900 - 41% rise Down Murder: 18,000 - 3% fallStreet robbery: 72,194 - 7% fall
Mr Mthethwa said while there had largely been a decrease in robberies at big businesses, small business and informal traders had seen an increase in violent robberies.Mr Mthethwa said while there had largely been a decrease in robberies at big businesses, small business and informal traders had seen an increase in violent robberies.
CRIME IN SOUTH AFRICA Up Sexual offences: 71,500 (10%) Residential robberies: 18,400 (27%)Business robberies: 13,900 (41%) Down Murder: 18,000 (3%)Street robbery: 72,194 (7%)
"Issues like the vulnerability of cash often [on site] and the unavailability of resources to implement crime prevention measures contributes to making these businesses vulnerable," he said."Issues like the vulnerability of cash often [on site] and the unavailability of resources to implement crime prevention measures contributes to making these businesses vulnerable," he said.
The new legislation takes into account sexual offences against men.
House robberies have also shown an increase.House robberies have also shown an increase.
The statistics revealed more than 18,000 South Africans were attacked by robbers in their own homes - a 27% increase from 2007/2008.The statistics revealed more than 18,000 South Africans were attacked by robbers in their own homes - a 27% increase from 2007/2008.
"It is one of the crimes that are most intrusive and personalise the crime experience… We simply cannot tolerate a situation where people do not feel safe in their homes," he said."It is one of the crimes that are most intrusive and personalise the crime experience… We simply cannot tolerate a situation where people do not feel safe in their homes," he said.
These could be the last official crime statistics ahead of the Football World Cup in June 2010, says the BBC's Pumza Fihlani in Johannesburg.
Opposition parties have expressed disappointment there hasn't been a significant overall decline in crime levels in the country.Opposition parties have expressed disappointment there hasn't been a significant overall decline in crime levels in the country.
The legacy of apartheid, social deprivation and corruption within the police force are among the reasons often cited for high levels of crime.
The BBC's Karen Allen in Johannesburg says President Jacob Zuma has put the fight against crime centre stage with the appointment of a new, tough-talking Police Commissioner.
But many commentators warn against populist measures and say that unless the underlying problems are addressed, violent crime will continue.