The document discusses the need for a new approach to reducing crime and violence in South Africa. It recommends three areas of focus: 1) A coherent national anti-robbery strategy and professionalizing the police. 2) A comprehensive violence reduction strategy that addresses the multiple risk factors for violence. 3) Implementing recommendations from the National Development Plan to build public confidence in the police and change social norms that encourage violence.

1. A new approach to crime, violence and public safety
Reduce aggravated
robbery
The 2013/14 crime statistics show a second consecutive year of increases in serious violent crimes such as
murder, attempted murder and aggravated robbery.
We urgently need a new approach to reduce violence and crime. We must address the serious challenges facing
the police, involve other government departments, and look hard at the factors that cause violence.
The Institute for Security Studies welcomes the call by the minister of police for a national dialogue on reduc-
ing crime and violence in South Africa.
Robberies contribute to fear and feelings of
insecurity, since they involve direct attacks by
armed criminals. Relatively few people commit
a large proportion of robberies. Better
intelligence gathering will result in more arrests
and better conviction rates that will result in
substantial decreases in robberies.
A coherent national anti-robbery strategy for
tackling armed criminals is urgently required.
The plan calls for the police to be
professionalised and supported by a
multi-disciplinary National Policing Board,
which will guide a process of transformation.
These reccommendations should be urgently
implemented.
Public trust and respect for the police,
because they behave and act professionally,
is indispensable for improving safety in our
communities.
The drivers of high rates of violence are multiple
and complex and addressing them requires a
comprehensive and collaborative approach
involving both government and civil society.
Such an approach will need to support parents,
caregivers and families; and also empower
children and adolescents to manage risks.
South Africa also needs to change
attitudes and social norms that encourage
violence and discrimination.
High levels of violence undermine investor
confidence, drive up costs in the health
sector and have a negative impact on all
sectors of society.
3.
Three focus areas for the reduction of crime and violence
National Development
Plan and public
confidence in the
police
2.
Violence reduction
strategy focused on
risk factors
1.