US State Dept says SA crime situation not conducive to growth, collaboration
The assessment follows a recent visit by a senior advisor to learn more about rural farm attacks and what it perceives to be the breakdown of the rule of law.
United State of America flag. Picture: Supplied/pixabay.com
JOHANNESBURG - The United States (US) State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour said the current crime situation in South Africa is not conducive to growth or collaboration.
The assessment follows a recent visit by a senior advisor to learn more about rural farm attacks and what it perceives to be the breakdown of the rule of law.
The bureau said the visit to meet both government and non-government officials was in line with executive orders issued by President Donald Trump.
In a report back on the three-day visit posted on its social media, the state bureau said South Africa holds enormous economic and geopolitical promise.
However, it said the government must speak clearly and act decisively to address crime and condemn violence.
The visit by senior advisor Samuel Samson focused largely on rural farm attacks, with the bureau citing statistics from NGO AfriForum to inform its position, while falsely claiming mainstream media is choosing not to report on these crimes.
Upon further inquiry by EWN, a State Department spokesperson said Samson had visited Cape Town between 7 and 9 July and met with political and government representatives it did not name, as well as civil society leaders and the business community.
The press spokesperson said the visit was out of concern for the rights of minority populations, discriminatory legislation, law and order, and potential shared economic interests.
On Friday, hefty US trade tariffs against several countries, including South Africa, are due to take effect.