For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Lumkile Nkomfe.

Making headlines: Cele says 3.1% decline in murder rate no cause for celebration; John Steenhuisen still wary of PA joining multiparty pact; And, Xi’s visit to South Africa for Brics marks rare trip abroad

Cele says 3.1% decline in murder rate no cause for celebration

Cele says 3.1% decline in murder rate no cause for celebration

Police Minister Bheki Cele noted that while there are still unacceptably high crime levels, the South African Police Service is pushing back, especially on violent crime, which he said has started to decrease.

Cele presented the quarterly crime statistics today, reflecting on crimes reported and detected by Saps from April 1 to June 30, and adding that the 3.1% decline in the murder rate was no cause for celebration.

He noted that it could not be normal that 31 police officers were killed in three months, and he called on Saps National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola to double-up Saps’ efforts in ensuring officer wellness.

Between April and June, police recorded 6 228 counts of murders, with Cele saying this was 196 fewer people killed compared to the same time last year.

He explained that out of the 6 228 people killed during April to June, 1 188 were women and children.

Cele said that the 3.1% reduction in the country's murder rate must, however, further bolster all policing interventions that have led to fewer people being killed in the country.

John Steenhuisen still wary of PA joining multiparty pact

Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen remains reluctant to endorse the Patriotic Alliance's participation in the Multiparty Charter for South Africa, saying the party led by Gayton McKenzie has often flip-flopped on its relationship with the African National Congress, and remains untrustworthy.

Steenhuisen was speaking on the sidelines of the Multiparty Charter for South Africa declaration signing in Kempton Park.

He commented on McKenzie's interest to join the newly formed pact, an offer Steenhuisen seemed reluctant to support, despite other pact partners agreeing that the arrangement had to be expanded.

The DA leader said he found it hard to comprehend how the PA could suddenly align with the charter's values and whether it could commit to not switching partnerships when it suited its leaders.

Steenhuisen added that he was unconvinced by McKenzie's offer to relinquish working with the ANC in municipalities they co-govern.

And, Xi’s visit to South Africa for Brics marks rare trip abroad

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the Brics summit in South Africa next week, a rare journey abroad for the leader who has preferred to stay home this year amid mounting political problems.

China’s Foreign Ministry said Xi will make the trip to Johannesburg on Monday at the invitation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa and Xi will also host a dialogue of leaders from around Africa — where China has pushed to expand its influence with infrastructure projects, a strategy the US says has entrapped some nations in debt.

The trip to South Africa will give Xi a chance to meet leaders from the Global South, which China is courting to offset what it sees as the US’s undue global influence.

The trip will also give Xi a chance to make his case for Brics’ expansion, something India and Brazil have opposed. China has been a keen proponent of the bloc comprising the Asian nation, Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa that was formed largely to counter what it calls US “hegemony.” Brics has even discussed a potential common currency, though progress toward that goal isn’t expected.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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