The Freedom of Expression Institute notes with concern reports that the Ministry of Safety and Security has  ordered that crime statistics in future would be released only through "officially audited quarterly reports".

The FXI regards this action as a violation of the Access to Information clause of the Constitution (Section 32), which, in terms of the interim clause that remains operative, states that: "Every person has the right of access to all information held by the state or any of its organs in any sphere of government in so far as that information is required for the exercise or protection of any of their rights."

The release of crime statistics on a quarterly basis prevents the media from exercising its right to report fully and CONTEMPORANEOUSLY on matters of public interest.

It also robs the public of its right to be kept fully informed about matters of current interest. The public particularly have a right to full and up to date information on the commission of crime since they require to take measures to protect themselves.

The effect of preventing the release of current crime statistics means that information which is in the public domain is being kept secret by the authorities, which is in further violation of Section 32 of the Constitution and Section 41 (1) c, which calls for effective and transparent government.

The ban on the release of current crime information statistics also raises the danger of the media and the public having to rely on rumours and inaccurate information. It is unacceptable for those in authority to allow such a situation to persist since it generates unease and uncertaintity amongst the public, who will not be sure about what exactly is happening around them and who will also not be able to rely on the media to keep them up to date and fully informed.

The FXI fears that the release of crime statistics on a quarterly basis will not reveal details about the manner of criminal operations, thus leaving the public in the dark about the nature of the dangers they face from criminals. We condemn in the strongest terms any move by the authorities to keep the public ignorant about the realities in this country.Such moves hark back to the days of Apartheid when the state sought to escape the scrutiny of the media and the public by exercising control over the dissemination of information.

The FXI urgently calls on the Minister of Safety and Security, Mr Sydney Mufamadi, to immediately withdraw his decision to release crime statistics only on a quarterly basis and to order the police to release current crime information and statistics to the media so that they may fully exercise their rights

We further call on the Mr Mufamadi to commit himself and his administration to the principles of openness and transparency as enshrined in our constitution.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT RAYMOND LOUW AT TEL: (011) 646 8790 OR FAX: (011) 646 2596