So it's off to a "new" start against crime. Not quite - Mbeki promised more police and more resources for them to do their jobs properly.

Thing is, it's no quick fix. With crime being at the current level that it is, is enough proof that not much has transpired from previous promises, and the people are fedup. Let's face it, government can do so much only, the rest is up to us. But if government doesn't bring their part, we're stuffed - and that's where we're at. That doesn't mean that we have to sit around and feel sorry for ourselves. It's time to become pro-active (serious) and get ourselves out of the attitude of "I can bribe someone if caught".

It is time for us to hold those in power responsible, and hopefully Thabo Mbeki and his cronies realise this. No more remarks as made by the Minister of Safety and Security (if you moan about crime, pack your bags and go), no toleration of our Jacki Selebi (Chief of Police) hanging out with known criminals, no more bribing (or attempting to bribe) police officials. The line between criminal and law-abiding has shrunk to such an extent that it's hard to differentiate between the two. If you speed you're breaking the law and as such, you're a criminal.

I know people who habitually skip stop signs, I've seen people skipping red traffic lights, defraud insurance companies, copy software.., and the list goes on. Do we consider this as petty crime? Do we really think that crime can be brought under control by continuing on our merry way because we don't rape and murder?

That's the attitude that needs adjusting! Imagine local municipalities going bankrupt because they don't have the opportunity to issue any speed or parking fines. Imagine tow truck 'pirates' attending only to breakdowns. Imagine leaving the keys in your car whilst shopping... Utopia? No, a close reality. Well okay, we can get more or less close.

Let the cops worry about serious crimes and let us start policing ourselves. Make the effort in reporting criminal activities. Be prepared to go to court. Stop living for yourself and yourself only and give back to the people of this country. That's the only way we will make a dent in crime in South Africa. There are no short cuts, there are no maybes.

The nation claim to be tired of crime, now do something about it!