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ActionSA notes the delayed release of the 2025/26 first and second quarter crime statistics, which reveal that 63 South Africans were murdered every single day, almost three every hour. 

Worryingly, as South Africa marks 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the crime statistics reveal that gender-based violence has increased across both quarters, confirming that vulnerable South Africans continue to face escalating danger in communities across the country.

Even schools are not being spared. Almost 200 rapes were recorded on school grounds during this period, underscoring that places meant to protect children have increasingly become sites of violent trauma.

ActionSA has repeatedly raised the alarm on escalating gang violence in the Western Cape, which continues to rise, as confirmed by today’s crime statistics. The data shows 282 gang-related murders between April and June, followed by 293 between July and September, making clear that communities remain dangerously vulnerable to warring gangs. 

In Cape Town, the picture becomes even more troubling. Four of the top five murder stations in the country fall within the City, making clear that it remains the epicentre of a deeper failure to end the violence terrorising forgotten communities.

ActionSA believes that crime statistics are not merely data points, but essential tools for policy decisions, public oversight and rebuilding the trust of a nation living in fear. Sadly, the delayed release inspires little confidence that government remains properly capacitated to deal with the violent crime destroying the country.

With both the Ad-hoc Committee and the Madlanga Commission confirming the extent of criminal capture, it is increasingly clear that South Africa has been captured by rampant lawlessness. 

Issued by ActionSA Member of Parliament Dereleen James