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ActionSA welcomes the reduction in South Africa’s murder rate reflected in the SAPS crime statistics for January to March 2026, released today by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia. However, South Africans continue to endure horrific levels of violence and crime. The reality that 58 people are murdered every day, while 140 cases of sexual assault are reported daily, cannot fully capture the trauma and fear experienced by communities across the country.

The fact that roughly half of reported rapes occur either in the residence of the victim or perpetrator again demonstrates that South Africa requires a whole-of-government response to violence, social breakdown, and community safety.

ActionSA remains particularly concerned by persistent gang-related murders in the Western Cape, especially on the Cape Flats, with three of the country’s top murder stations are located in the City of Cape Town: Mfuleni, Delft and Gugulethu. Furthermore, 93% of the country’s gang related murders occurred in the Western Cape.

We welcome the Minister’s focus on whistleblower protection, which aligns with ActionSA’s Fallen Whistleblowers Bill tabled earlier this year. We also welcome the Minister’s acknowledgement of the devastating impact that organised crime and extortion have on township entrepreneurs and local businesses. As long as businesses are strangled by extortion and criminality, South Africa will struggle to grow the economy and create jobs.

ActionSA further welcomes the announcement of the Police Advisory Panel to guide SAPS reform and implementation of the Madlanga Commission recommendations, chaired by former SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter. We believe Mr Kieswetter is well placed to help professionalise and rebuild SAPS, much like the role he played in restoring SARS into a capable and respected institution.

While ActionSA remains deeply concerned by evidence emerging before the Madlanga Commission and Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee regarding systemic weaknesses within SAPS governance and accountability structures, we also honour the many police officers who continue to serve communities with integrity and courage.

Today’s crime statistics show that progress is possible. But sustaining that progress will require rebuilding trust between communities and police, strengthening accountability, and treating the fight against crime as a national priority.

Issued by ActionSA Member of Parliament Dereleen James MP