Cape Town: The South African government is determined to deal with crime despite media reports to the contrary. This is the word from Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who briefed the media in Cape Town on Thursday.
According to South African Government News Agency, Cabinet has noted the continuous debate about crime in South Africa and allegations that there is a lack of a concrete government plan to address the issue. This follows the release of the 2024/25 fourth quarter crime statistics by the Minister of Police on May 23, 2025, which outlined the Seventh Administration’s policing priorities.
The priorities include reducing the murder rate, curbing illegal firearms and tightening controls over legal firearms, fighting gender-based violence and femicide (GBV+F), and dismantling organized crime such as drug trafficking syndicates, cash-in-transit heists, extortion, kidnappings, gang violence, and corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and across the country.
The statistics indicated a general decline in crime compared to the same period in the previous financial year. Of the 30 high crime police stations, 13 recorded lower counts of crime reporting, while two showed no change. Regarding farm murders, the statistics counter recent misinformation, revealing that the majority of victims were African, thereby challenging claims of targeted attacks on White commercial farmers.
Operation Shanela has made significant progress in seizing illegal firearms, with 128 confiscated recently. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations continues to make strides, with 656 suspects appearing in court, including individuals linked to serious organized crimes, serious commercial crimes, and serious corruption.
On the issue of GBVF, an Inter-Ministerial Committee roundtable will be held at Atteridgeville Community Hall in Pretoria, focusing on the National Strategic Plan implementation and progress, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of services provided to GBVF victims.
In regards to political killings, the Cabinet welcomed the guilty plea entered by Sibusiso Ngcengwa in the murder of former ANC Youth League Secretary General and municipal councilor, Sindiso Magaqa, who was killed in 2017 in KwaZulu-Natal. The government views political killings seriously, as they often involve individuals committed to fighting corruption in municipalities or government. The breakthrough in Magaqa’s case is expected to shed light on other individuals involved in his murder.