DA Calls for Transparency as SAPS Crime Stats Remain Overdue

DA Demands Accuracy as SAPS Crime Stats Remain Delayed

Four months have passed since the South African Police Service (SAPS) was supposed to release its quarterly crime statistics for the 2025/26 financial year and the data is still not available. The delay has sparked a wave of concern from both opposition parties and the public, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) leading calls for full transparency and accuracy.

A Postponed Release and Rising Questions

Originally slated for release in October, the statistics were postponed without clear explanation, leaving Parliament and ordinary South Africans in the dark about the state of crime in their communities. The DA argues that this delay is particularly troubling given recent Auditor-General findings, which exposed serious discrepancies and unverifiable data within SAPS reporting systems.

According to DA MP Lisa Schickerling, the issues range from inflated arrest success rates to unreliable firearm recovery figures.

“South Africans deserve the full truth about crime in their communities, not selective numbers designed to save face,” Schickerling said.

The party warns that without credible, verified data, there is no basis for crafting effective crime prevention strategies or holding the police accountable.

Why Accurate Crime Data Matters

For citizens, the consequences of inaccurate reporting are more than numbers on a page. Communities rely on crime statistics to understand trends, hotspots, and risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and children.

Schickerling emphasized that accurate data is not just about transparency it is essential for policy-making, resource allocation, and public trust.

“The DA demands full transparency, independent verification, and a clear explanation to Parliament. Without it, there can be no real strategy, no accountability, and no progress in protecting our people,” she said.

Public Reaction and Accountability

The postponed release has stirred reactions across social media, with citizens expressing frustration at what they see as a lack of accountability. Many questioned whether delayed or manipulated statistics are being used to paint a rosier picture of crime prevention than reality allows.

Analysts note that SAPS has faced recurring criticism for delayed or incomplete crime reports, making it increasingly difficult to track trends or measure progress against crime in South Africa.

Moving Forward: Calls for Reform

The DA has made it clear that the party will push for Parliament to demand a full, verified accounting of crime data, warning that failure to do so undermines public confidence and endangers lives.

As South Africans await the overdue figures, pressure is mounting for SAPS to restore trust, provide transparent explanations, and ensure that crime statistics reflect reality, not political convenience.

In a country where crime remains a persistent concern, accurate data is not a luxury; it is a necessity for safety, justice, and accountability.