Is the lack of up-to-date statistics on crime in South Africa at least in part due to the ANC not wanting them released until after the election? This is the implication of a recent piece in the Cape Argus. The reason for the absence of new crime stats is probably more complicated — and less Machiavellian- than simple ANC scheming. But it seems to me that combating crime depends on knowing criminal tendencies, and larger crime numbers would not only let officials know what work needs to be done but also where anti-crime policies are working.