Crime expert Simon Howell has welcomed the decline in murders and violent crime following the release of the latest crime statistics earlier today.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia confirmed that murder dropped by 8.7% in the last quarter, with 602 fewer deaths recorded compared to the previous year.

“During this quarter, total violent crime decreased again by 6.7%, or 12,682 fewer cases reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) compared with the same quarter last year. Over the last two years, total violent crime for this quarter is down by 8.3%, or 15,763 fewer cases.”

Howell says the decrease is not enough, stressing that far more needs to be done for South Africans to truly feel safe.

“While this is positive news, the decrease in figures don’t change much because crime levels remain high for many people living in communities were violence remains rife. The big conversation we should have is whether the decrease in crime stats translate to feelings of safety to the people who live in these communities.”

He added that ethical and transparent leadership is required to restore public trust which he believes is essential for improving the public’s sense of security.