Creating sustainable policing forum and neighbourhood watch
Police Minister Bheki Cele on Friday delivered the police's quarterly crime stats and said 2,481 people were murdered in public spaces - including the street, open fields, parking areas, and abandoned buildings.
He added that there's been a 6.6% increase in murders for South Africa between October and December 2020.
RELATED: Murders, sexual offences increased in Q3, quarterly crime stats reveal
In light of the grim picture of the crime stats, how can communities do their bit in the fight against crime.
ACSIP policing and community conflict specialist Eldred De Klerk tells Refiloe Mpakanyane that community forums have taken too many steps backwards from what was envisioned.
The police have become a political football because of their actions and the community has felt estranged from them. This includes community police forums that have been mandated in law to be at every single police station doing more than community liaison.
Eldred De Klerk, Policing and community conflict specialist - ACSIP
He adds that there is a call for citizens to take their rightful place in this democracy.
It's a question of public leadership at all levels including the youth.
Eldred De Klerk, Policing and community conflict specialist - ACSIP
Listen below to the full conversation:

Source : https://www.123rf.com/photo_47500099_the-silver-handcuffs-on-black-background.html
More from Politics

He's not above the law – Ramaphosa comments on Zuma's ConCourt defiance
He said no one was above the law, including former President Jacob Zuma, who has defied a Constitutional Court order by refusing to appear before the Zondo commission.
Read More
NPA still studying judgment that found Bongani Bongo not guilty of corruption
National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila weighs in on the Western Cape High Court ruling.
Read More
'State-sponsored corruption should outrage South Africans' - Sars commissioner
'I'm infuriated!' Commissioner Edward Kieswetter says he feels the need to speak truth to power. Strong words on The Money Show.
Read More
Julius and I are friends but we rarely discuss politics when together - Mbalula
Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says she is naturally a very jovial person but not as charismatic as Razzmatazz (Fikile).
Read More
'Govt wants to destroy alcohol industry and boost illicit market with 8% hike'
National Liquor Traders Council national convener Lucky Ntimane says the industry is disappointed by tax increase on alcohol.
Read More
Govt wants to avoid slashing public servant salaries at all costs - Mogajane
National Treasury director-general Dondo Mogajane reflects on Finance Minister Tito Mboweni 2021 budget speech.
Read More
No tax increases: A 'good news' Budget but SA not out of the woods
'We owe a lot of people a lot of money' says Tito Mboweni. Wide-ranging reaction to Budget 2021 on The Money Show.
Read More
SIU to investigate tender irregularities involving Zweli Mkhize's associates
Daily Maverick, Scorpio investigative journalist Pieter Louis Myburgh reflects on alleged tender awarded to Digital Vibes.
Read More
DATE SET: Zuma and French arms company Thales trial to finally begin on 17 May
Eyewitness News reporter Nkosikhona Duma reflects on the upcoming trial of the former president and the arms company.
Read More
With difficulties of COVID-19, I am very relieved by matric results - Lesufi
GDE MEC thanked the educators, the SGBs as well as parents who allowed their children to come to school during a pandemic.
Read More