Violent crime victims need to be better protected by law

South Africa has insufficient means to reduce violent crimes in the absence of a strong collaboration with organs of civil society and trade unions, according to Justice Minister Thembi Simelane.

- Brian Sokutu

She was responding yesterday to calls by labour to overhaul and strengthen the country's criminal justice system.

From urban to rural areas, SA has seen a soaring of violent crimes - at least 85 people murdered daily in the world's fourth-highest murder capital.

Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) president Thulani Ngwenya and a presentation by Prof Kholofelo Rakubu of the Tshwane University of Technology talked about a diagnostic review of the country's response to crime and violence.

This was during the five-day Popcru central executive committee (CEC) meeting at the Birchwood Convention Centre in Boksburg, ending today, which will adopt resolutions on the country's socioeconomic challenges and make a declaration.