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The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) notes the release of the 2024/2025 Fourth Quarter Crime Statistics by Minister of Police, Hon. Senzo Mchunu, earlier today. While we welcome the reported decreases in certain categories of violent crime, including murder in most provinces, we remain gravely concerned about the sustained high levels of gender-based violence, commercial crime, and attacks on both civilians and law enforcement officials. 

The reduction in murder rates in 8 out of 9 provinces is a positive development. However, the continued concentration of murder incidents in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, the Western Cape, and the Eastern Cape reflects the urgent need for intensified, localised, and intelligence-driven interventions. We call on SAPS to prioritise high-crime districts and ensure community-policing forums are adequately resourced and active.

The IFP is deeply alarmed by the increase in sexual offences. While we acknowledge the Justice Cluster’s 90-day GBV+F blitz, the challenge of gender-based violence demands a holistic, year-round strategy that includes prevention, early intervention, swift prosecution, and survivor support. We also urge the fast-tracking of cases involving crimes against women and children through the justice system.

Equally troubling is the rise in commercial crimes, which speaks to the evolving nature of organised crime in South Africa. The increase in cyber and white-collar crime calls for greater investment in specialised units and digital forensic capacity. The IFP commends the work of the DPCI (Hawks) but calls for improved coordination with SAPS at provincial and district levels.

The loss of 22 police officers in one quarter—10 of them in Gauteng—is a national tragedy. An attack on law enforcement is an attack on the state. The IFP calls for urgent measures to enhance police safety, including increased psychological support, better working conditions, and swift response units for officers under threat.

The IFP also notes the progress made in rural safety and the statistics on farm attacks. However, we reiterate our longstanding call for the full implementation of the Rural Safety Strategy, particularly in provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga where rural communities continue to feel vulnerable. We must also move beyond political rhetoric and adopt a data-driven and inclusive approach to rural policing that recognises the plight of all victims, regardless of race or geography.

The IFP supports Operation Shanela’s efforts but insists that the proliferation of guns in our communities requires a broader legislative review and enhanced border and port control to stop the influx of illegal arms. 

While stock theft saw an encouraging 8.9% decrease, it remains a critical threat to rural livelihoods and food security. We support the continued capacitation of Stock Theft Units and call for tougher penalties for syndicates involved in livestock theft.

Lastly, the IFP takes note of the Minister’s emphasis on professionalising the police service and the planned restructuring of SAPS. We will monitor the implementation of the newly approved National Policing Policy closely. Any organisational restructuring must result in better service delivery, not further bureaucracy.

South Africans deserve to feel safe in their homes, in public spaces, and at work. The IFP will continue to advocate for a well-resourced, professional, community-rooted police service that serves with integrity, impartiality, and empathy.

Issued by Inkosi Russel Cebekhulu chairperson of the IFP Parliament Caucus