Strategies for stopping SA's runaway crime

Firstly, the argument that criminals have used South Africa's model constitution and legislation to evade the law is just foolish. Surely, the woeful performance of the police and the poor state of the criminal justice system cannot be blamed on South Africa's model constitution and its laws.

For another, the Criminal Procedure Act as it stands, which the Police Commissioner Bheki Cele blames for police inadequacy and wants to amend - with the support of President Jacob Zuma, already gives the police sufficient power to use force if they or the public are in danger. Better policing and an effective criminal justice system must be at the heart of any turnaround strategy to curb out-of-control crime.