The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) notes today’s release of the South African Police Service (SAPS) crime statistics for the first two quarters of the 2025/26 financial year.
While the figures indicate declines in murder and certain violent crimes, the ACDP remains seriously concerned that sexual offences and gender-based violence (GBV) continue to remain obstinately high, undermining the safety, security, and dignity of women, children, and the most vulnerable in our society.
The SAPS reports a significant decline in murder rates and double-digit reductions in aggravated robbery. Although this is encouraging, the ACDP stresses that any loss of life remains unacceptable and that communities still live under the shadow of violence.
The ACDP has warned that GBV is South Africa’s “second pandemic” and requires urgent, coordinated action beyond statistics.
We therefore reiterate our long-standing call for stronger policing and accountability.
Firstly, crime statistics must translate into visible safety improvements in communities. The SAPS must be depoliticised, adequately resourced, and held accountable for failures.
Secondly, dedicated GBV interventions need to be actioned. The stubbornly high GBV rates demand specialised courts, survivor support services, and harsher sentencing for perpetrators.
Thirdly, real family values need to be taught in our schooling system, and not just comprehensive sexuality education. This will benefit some as family values are not instilled in our children at a young age. It has been alleged that this benefits some politicians who easily manipulate youth to sow division, public disorder, and unlawful behaviour.
The ACDP firmly believes that much more could and should be done by government to ensure the safety, security, and dignity of our women and children – which we believe to be a moral and constitutional imperative.
