There has been a general decrease in crime levels for the period January to March 2012 when compared to the previous quarter, says Justice Minister Jeff Radebe.
"The overall serious crime went down by 0.5% in the [1st] quarter [of the year] compared to the same period last year. During the period under review, contact crimes were reduced by 1.2% from 307.8 per 100,000 of the population," he said.
Radebe was speaking during a briefing by the Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster in Pretoria on Monday.
In addition, detective and intelligence work had been intensified to ensure those involved in ATM bombings were arrested and successfully prosecuted. These heightened detective and intelligence operations would continue during 2012/2013 and would be extended to cover all serious crime categories, he added.
With regards to cybercrime, the minister said this category of crime was a key priority because it had a detrimental effect on the economy and most vulnerable people in the country.
"A total of 155 cybercrime matters were finalised during the past financial year. It appears that the majority of cases involve unlawful electronic fund transfers / fraud etc., where the password of the complainant was obtained or cloned cards being used. The conviction rate on average stands at 89%," he said.
Radebe noted that Cabinet had approved the cyber-security policy framework in March 2012.
The framework outlines policy positions that are intended to address national security threats in cyberspace; combat cyber warfare, cybercrime and other cyber ills; develop, review and update existing substantive and procedural laws; and build confidence and trust in the secure use of information and communication technologies.
An implementation plan to deal with the approved cyber-security policy framework was currently being operationalised, Radebe said.
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