Johannesburg - ANC president Jacob Zuma on Monday urged tougher legislation against crime.
"I am convinced that within the parameters of the Constitution there is significant space for us to toughen legislation against all forms of criminality and to erase the space within which criminals are able to operate," he told The Star newspaper.
"Criminals must know that breaking the law will have severe consequences and that they'll suffer as a result of their actions," said Zuma.
Critics say that current legislation is not adequate or tough enough to prevent crimes and deter criminals.
"Adequate and long sentences that fit the crimes that are committed and the detrimental consequences these have on our society must be handed down by our courts," said Zuma.
He said that while the African National Congress (ANC) would not "erode" rights enshrined in the Constitution, he wanted to see the establishment of an efficient and transformed criminal justice system, working with communities to fight crime.
"The goal is to reduce serious and violent crime by seven to 10% per year," he said.
'Killing fields'
Crime-weary South Africa's new Safety and Security Minister, Nathi Mthethwa, vowed last month to deal firmly with armed violence, saying police in the "killing fields" had to be ready to return fire.
Addressing Parliament, Mthethwa said his top priorities would be fighting organised crime, improving crime intelligence and strengthening the capacity of task forces.
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