South African Police Service Under Fire for Omitting Key Data on Violence Against Women and Children

Strategic Insights -

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has come under intense scrutiny after it was revealed that the service had omitted key data on violence against women and children in its latest crime statistics report. Critics have condemned the move as a betrayal of South Africa's promise to fight gender-based violence, with some labeling it a "deliberate misrepresentation" of facts. The controversy centers around the SAPS' fourth quarter crime statistics for the 2024/25 financial year, which failed to include disaggregated figures on murder, attempted murder, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm targeting women and children.

Key Takeaways:

  • The SAPS' failure to include disaggregated data on violence against women and children in its latest crime statistics report has sparked widespread criticism and concerns about transparency and accountability.
  • The controversy centers around the SAPS' fourth quarter crime statistics for the 2024/25 financial year, which were presented to Parliament on May 28, 2025, without the relevant information.
  • The SAPS' claim that the full version of the report, released on May 23, 2025, included the disaggregated data was found to be false by the Accountability Committee.
  • The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Ian Cameron, expressed "serious concern" over the matter, stating that the credibility of crime statistics depended on their completeness and accuracy.
  • The committee has requested a written report from the SAPS leadership by June 20, 2025, explaining the omission of data and the inaccurate statements made to Parliament.
  • The Democratic Alliance (DA) has labeled the SAPS' conduct a "deliberate misrepresentation" of facts and has announced its intention to formally ask the minister of police to appear before the committee to account for the breach of trust.
  • Ilitha Labantu, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of violence and promoting justice for women and children, has condemned the data omission, stating that it reflects a deeper institutional failure to respond to gender-based violence.

Statistics:

  • 966 women and 314 children were murdered in South Africa between January and March 2025.
  • 96% of women and 90% of children were victims of murder, attempted murder, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in South Africa between January and March 2025 (no source provided).
  • The SAPS relies on data from case dockets and the Crime Administration System (CAS) for its crime statistics, which are based on victims' age and sex and correct linkage between victims and charges (from Brigadier Athlenda Mathe).

Sources:

  • The South African Police Service (SAPS)
  • The Portfolio Committee on Police
  • The Democratic Alliance (DA)
  • Ilitha Labantu (non-profit organization)
  • Brigadier Athlenda Mathe (national police spokesperson)