Don’t play politics with crime figures

THE EDITOR: The Minister of National Security has reportedly said that murders have decreased over the last two months. He is correct.

In July and August there were about 43 and 44 murders, respectively, while in August and September there were about 38 and 34, respectively.

However, when we compare January to September 2017 and 2018, it is much higher in 2018 – 401 in 2018 and 368 in 2017.

There is no need to gloat about a two-month reduction. It doesn’t portray the whole reality. We must look at the big picture because as the Christmas season builds up, normally the murders increase. Here we should be expending our efforts to bring the potential murders down – especially as we know the increase is coming.

Both the Government and the Opposition members should not play politics with crime figures. Every murder is one too many. Whether it drops or increases by five there is no reason to boast or criticise.

Playing politics with the crime figures is quite insensitive to the public and the families of victims. Let us grow up, people.

KEVIN RAM via e-mail