CoCT's JP Smith welcomes SAPS transparency on crime stats, slams them for being outdated

City of Cape Town Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, said the crime statistics released on Friday were "too little, too late". 

Smith welcomed the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) transparency but slammed the statistics for being outdated and lacking meaningful context.

He said the SAPS continues to "gatekeep" data that could help other spheres of government, civil society, and volunteer organisations make a real impact in the fight against crime.

"The crime stats clearly reflect that our investments into technology and human resources can make a considerable impact. In areas like Nyanga and Philippi East we have seen notable decreases in murder cases, which have reduced by 26.6% and 10% respectively."