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ActionSA remains gravely concerned that while discredited narratives like “white genocide” continue to dominate some public discourse, the real war being waged in South Africa is the unrelenting war of crime against all who live in our country. Although the latest SAPS statistics reflect a year-on-year decline in the murder rate between January and March 2025, South Africa still suffers from one of the highest murder rates in the world. During this period, 5,727 people were murdered—an average of 64 lives lost every single day, or nearly three every hour. These numbers underscore the scale of the crisis, particularly for women and children, who continue to suffer unspeakable violence, with 13,452 sexual offences reported in just three months.

The Western Cape continues to be one of the most violent provinces, where communities on the Cape Flats live in daily fear. In areas such as Manenberg, Mitchells Plain, and Delft, residents are effectively under siege. The province’s per capita murder rate of 14.2 per 100,000 people—the second highest in the country—reflects the profound failure of SAPS and government to curb the grip of gang violence, drug trafficking, and organised crime. Without adequate police resources or the political will to dismantle these criminal networks, these communities will remain trapped in a cycle of violence and impunity.

ActionSA also remains deeply concerned about the underreporting of drug- and gang-related crimes, which are central drivers of the murder crisis in provinces like the Western Cape. While we commend SAPS for identifying murder hotspots and engaging stakeholders in Gauteng and the Western Cape, these initiatives must lead to actionable, measurable interventions. South Africans cannot afford more talk shops. They need decisive, transparent action that delivers results.

We further highlight the dire need for accountability within SAPS itself. Until those who enable crime from within are held accountable, the credibility and effectiveness of law enforcement will remain compromised. Corruption must be rooted out if South Africa is to stand any chance of reversing the tide of gender-based violence, violent crime, and the terror inflicted on our communities.

In line with our commitment to being a constructive and solutions-oriented opposition, ActionSA has updated our GNU Performance Tracker to reflect the latest crime data. We urge the government to urgently develop and implement a national crime strategy with a specific, measurable goal of halving aggravated contact crimes by 2029. This strategy must be anchored in a zero-tolerance approach that prioritises the safety and dignity of every South African, regardless of race, class, or geography.

Issued by ActionSA Member of Parliament Dereleen James MP