After months of delay, SAPS will tomorrow release crime statistics for the last two quarters. The DA is once again demanding that gender-based violence (GBV) and crimes against children are fully included.
Just two days ago, South Africa launched the 16 Days of Activism against GBV and child abuse. It would be a travesty if these crimes are once again left out of the official numbers. We hear politicians talk endlessly about the “scourge” of violence, but without proper data, these words are mere lip service.
Accurate crime statistics are critical. They show where the problems are, guide where resources should go, and expose failures so that action can be taken. Omitting GBV and child crime from the records leaves communities blind and vulnerable.
The DA will scrutinise tomorrow’s release closely. Anything less than full, verified, disaggregated data would be a failure of transparency and accountability and a betrayal of the women and children who are most at risk.