Following the recent release of the country's crime statistics, we appealed to iafrica.com readers to share their experiences regarding the South African Police Service. Are they doing a good job keeping crime in check? Here's what our readers had to say.

Rocky

I have had mixed experiences, but I largely feel that many police officers are incompetent and not well-educated (although they have 'matric' — for what it is worth these days). There tends to be a communication problem at times.

On 10 June 2009, I was held up leaving my practice at 7.15pm. I was tied up, with my face covered, and they cleared all computers, money etc out of our practice. Once the police had arrived, an hour later, I found the 'finger print guy' to be very efficient and thorough and he communicated well with me.

However, after pointing out where the one robber had sat (waiting for my exit into our coffee shop) the two other policemen proceeded to sit at the very crime scene reading the newspaper that the criminal had read — thereby polluting the crime scene. Although I know the 'investigating' officer's name, I haven't heard a thing about the case… Disappointed!

In a different experience, my parents were recently away when they were alerted to their house alarm which had gone off for no reason. My mother alerted her domestic worker who, at the time, was just arriving home from church. She (the domestic worker) thought that someone was possibly in the house. She alerted the neighbours who phoned the police.

The police arrived on the scene within ten minutes — about five policemen of different races, well-armed. It turned out to be a false alarm, but the speedy service on the police's behalf in this case was much appreciated.

I don't believe official crime statistics released by the ANC. I feel that our levels of crime are ridiculously high. The prevalence and violence of the crime in South Africa is pathetically saddening. I do not feel that crime is reducing; I know too many current victims.

Alwyn

I was a police officer for four-and-a-half years. I spent 13 years in total in the security industry. I remember one morning whilst patrolling Cape Town, my partner and I came across a young lady being robbed in the middle of the street.

Her attackers had her down on the tar pulling at her handbag. She held on for dear life. When we stopped her attackers darted off in different directions. I chased one and my partner the other. We caught both and I picked up the knife they tried to throw away.

Now think about what would have happened if we were not patrolling. Her attackers would not have wrestled with her indefinitely to get her bag. More patrols (and fewer coffee breaks at the local garage café) are required as this reduces the opportunity for the criminal. We also need a more effective judicial system and better punitive measures.

On page two: iafrica.com regular Tevin Turdon suggests how South Africa should go about tackling the crime problem.

We want to hear about your experiences with the SA police service — the good, the bad, and the ugly. Drop us a mail and, if we think what you have to say is worth sharing, we'll publish it!

Or, if you have an opinion but not a story, vote in our police poll higher up on this page.

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