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Much is made of crime statistics and the reputation of many policing areas is based on how high or low the murder and robbery rates are. This Tuesday, Special Assignment focuses on an area of Johannesburg which, according to the latest stats, has managed to bring down crime - and asks the question - are these figures an accurate reflection of police success?
The story begins in Jules Street, officially the longest street in Johannesburg and unofficially, one of the most dangerous. Garage owner Jane Keys-Transfeldt has lost count of how many armed robberies they’ve had. She thinks it’s 18. The office is peppered with bullet holes, they have bullet-proof glass and an elaborate drill at opening and closing times, which is when most robberies occur. “Jules Street in general is a disaster,” she says. “It’s commonly referred to as the Gaza Strip.”
 The shop next door, Bearchems, has resorted to an unusual way of deterring robbers. Two red-tailed boa constrictors slither around the premises. “The crime in Jules Street is horrific,” says owner Arlene Keogh. “The snakes are here for our protection.” She like many others around here doesn’t believe the latest statistics, which indicate there’s been a drop in crime.
But there has been and the new Cleveland police station commissioner, Welcome Zangwa, says it’s not by chance. “People complain, but they don’t know what good work is done by the police behind the scenes.”
 In neighbouring Chinatown, part of the Cleveland policing area, crime is seldom reported because members of the Chinese community don’t trust the police. They say police seem only interested in making money, frequently stopping Chinese people to check for papers and to demand bribes. The alternative is a night or a weekend in the police cells. “The police, they know how to say ‘money, money’ in Chinese,” says one man, who wishes to remain anonymous. “I have a work permit... but if they stop me, they won’t allow me to fetch it… make me pay. You know how much? R8000!”
Behind the Scenes is a look at how one policing area deals with seemingly high levels of crime – the national obsession. It is directed by Jessica Pitchford. |
