It is trite that perception matters. What we perceive to be true becomes true to us. News that two men held police at gunpoint, locked them in a cell and proceeded to ransack the police station, stealing firearms and ammunition, does not do well for the perception that the police are able to protect citizens from crime.

This is especially so, considering that just last month, two police officers were robbed of their service firearms and locked in the back of their van in Wells Estate, Gqeberha, in Eastern Cape. It is unfortunate, but true that for many, reporting cases to the police is no more than an administrative act aimed at complying with insurance company requirements...