Pretoria - Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa says the success of the Crime Line initiative is proof that partnerships between police and the public can work to fight crime.
He said since the launch of the initiative in June 2007, around 853 people were arrested and R32.1 million worth of stolen goods, drugs and property seized.
"We are pleased to see more and more members of the public blowing the whistle on crime," Mthethwa said during a National Press Club media briefing on Wednesday. He urged the public to continue using the Crime Line to report any suspicious activity.
"We know who does wrong in our communities - whether they are murderers, rapists, drug dealers ...don't protect them," he said.
Meanwhile, Mthethwa has expressed confidence that gun owners will cooperate with government in relation to the firearms amnesty period which starts in January and ends in April next year.
The amnesty provides for people to hand in their firearms without fear of being prosecuted in cases of possession of illegal firearms.
