FALL IN S. AFRICA'S VIOLENT CRIME!

By Peter Biles - BBC News, Johannesburg.

Police still have to fight an increase in robberies. South Africa has seen a marked decrease in cases of violent crime, new figures released by the country's police show. South Africa's international reputation has long been tarnished by the high levels of crime. The latest statistics suggest that the authorities are achieving their reduction targets of at least 7%.

But there is still concern about the high number of robberies as thefts from shops, factories and small businesses are up nearly 30%. The fight against crime is one of the big challenges facing the South African government. So the latest crime figures comparing the six months from April to September with the same period last year will be welcome news.

Seven out of eight categories of serious crime, including murder, attempted murder and rape, show a decrease. Minister of Safety and Security Charles Nqakula says he believes the involvement of ordinary people in community policing projects has helped to bring crime levels down dramatically. Crime in South Africa is all too often accompanied by extreme violence involving firearms.

But the police are now warning that maximum force will be used against criminals.

BBC NEWS REPORT.