Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3 min read | 17:10 pm CAT

Tourism minister Linidw Sisilu has come under fire after she told a press briefing following the murder of a German tourist in Mpumalanga that South Africa is safe and only three tourists have died since 1994. It quickly became apparent that this was a misleading claim.

According to Stats SA, South Africa ranks among the top ten in the world for the highest murder rate. The World Population Review rank South Africa third in terms of the highest crime rates. A brief overview of the most recent quarterly crime statistics reveals that almost 70 people were murdered every day in South Africa between April and June this year.

In discussion with Radio Islam International, crime activist and leader of Action Society in Gugulethu, Ian Cameron, said blatant lies are being told by leadership.

“They cannot claim that we are safe in our country. We have three murders per hour, which is known of and 71 murders per day.”

In a previous attempt with Minister Beki Cele, he said Cele and his officers are not prompt in responding to calls or offers for help.

“When ordinary South Africans are being mowed down, literally slaughtered like animals sometimes. There is just a deaf deafening silence from the government.

Meanwhile, where the German tourist was shot and killed is a high crime area, with people in the area explaining they live in fear.

According to Cameron, that region has been an issue for the past 10 to 15 years.

He said many priority centres are committed and planned from that region.

“The police and government have known about this. This is why it’s laughable to see the police commissioner and the Minister of police suddenly going to visit a crime scene as though it’s something new,” he says.

Listen below to the interview on Radio Islam’s podcast.