Crime statistics released by the police yesterday paint a gloomy picture about this country.

Crime statistics released by the police yesterday paint a gloomy picture about this country.

There have been alarming increases in major crimes such as murder, bank robberies, cash-in-transit heists and robberies at residential premises, police said.

These statistics should come as a shock to the South African community who have at all times been assured by government that crime was under control.

The government, and the police in particular, have an obligation to protect the country's citizens.

The Safety and Security Department recently announced the deployment of 100000 police reservists throughout the country to help in the fight against crime. That is appreciated.

But there is also a need for increased visible policing at crime-ridden areas.

The SANDF should also be involved in the fight against this scourge because some of these daring crimes are carried out with military precision.

The nation has had enough.