Growing evidence that suspects released on bail tend to continue with their criminal activities can no longer be ignored.

Growing evidence that suspects released on bail tend to continue with their criminal activities can no longer be ignored.

In recent months, crime reports have shown that suspects arrested by police were repeat offenders out on bail in connection with other crimes.

Thus, a Balfour magistrate who denied Ludwe Gxowa, the man suspected of murdering reggae star Lucky Dube, bail when he was in court last Thursday on theft charges, deserves praise. Gxowa was out on bail when he allegedly assisted in the murder of Dube, according to police.

While we recognise suspects' right to bail, courts are urged to be more stringent in awarding bail to suspects.