The omission of statistics on crime committed against women and children is a worrying factor in dealing with gender-based violence (GBV).
This concern was raised by Ian Cameron, chairperson of the portfolio committee on police, on Tuesday.
Cameron stated that the committee has noted with serious concern the omission of disaggregated data on crimes against women and children, specifically murder, attempted murder, and GBV, from the fourth quarter crime statistics for the 2024/25 financial year.
He said that during its meeting on June 11, the committee had requested an explanation for this omission.
Police assertion factually incorrect
It also stated that in response to the questions, police had indicated that although the summarised version of the statistics presented to the committee on May 28 did not contain this information, the “full complement of the report”, published on the South African Police Service (SAPS) website and released to the public on 23 May, does include a breakdown of crimes against women and children.
“This assertion is factually incorrect. A review of both the summarised and full versions of the fourth quarter crime statistics confirms that disaggregated data on crimes against women and children was not included.
“The committee has always been of the view that the credibility of statistics is dependent on the tabling of all crime stats in full, which will drive the police response, especially in the context of the SAPS adopting a data-driven approach to policing,” said Cameron.
He stated that the committee was deeply concerned by the absence of credible and complete data. And he pointed out that this has significantly undermined efforts to assess the scope of violence against women and children. To also develop effective and targeted interventions.
Far-reaching implications
“The presentation of inaccurate information to a parliamentary committee is a serious matter. It has far-reaching implications,” said Cameron.
As a result of the omission of the data, Cameron said that he wrote to the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, and the National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, requesting a written report to be submitted by this coming Friday.
“The report must account for the omission of disaggregated data in the latest crime statistics. And it must explain the provision of inaccurate information to the committee during the meeting on 11 June 2025.
“Should a satisfactory response not be received, the committee will consider invoking its powers under the National Assembly Rules and the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, 2004, to summon the relevant officials to appear before the committee and give evidence under oath or affirmation to resolve the matter,” said Cameron.
The country is facing a huge crisis when it comes to GBV and femicide. Women and children are targeted daily.
Scourge of GBV
This has also resulted in a serious concern around the country. Many people and GBV organisations are up in arms. They are calling for police and the courts to up their game in fighting the scourge of GBV.
Recently, University of Witwatersrand student, Olorato Mongale from Bloemfontein, was brutally murdered while on date. She had met the guy two days earlier in her hometown. Her murderer, Philangenkosi Makhanya, who confessed to the crime, was killed by police in a shootout. He had tried to evade arrest, as he shot at the police, they returned fire, killing him.
Makhanya’s accomplice, Bongani Mthimkhulu, is still at large, and police are still on his tail.
