Statistics Following AfriForum Submission
CAPE TOWN:- The Ministry of Police has confirmed that it is verifying farm attack statistics after AfriForum submitted a list of incidents challenging the accuracy of official crime data.
This follows the Minister’s call for evidence supporting AfriForum’s claim that the South African Police Service (SAPS) underreported farm murders, particularly those involving farm owners.
According to preliminary findings from the SAPS Crime Registrar, only one of the listed cases aligns with an official record of a murdered farm owner. This is consistent with the single case reported in SAPS’s third-quarter crime statistics.
While the verification process is ongoing, SAPS has not yet identified any additional farm owner murders beyond those previously reported. The Ministry has assured that a full update will be provided once the verification is complete.
SAPS emphasized its commitment to accurate and transparent crime reporting, urging all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to ensure that statistical claims are backed by verifiable evidence. The police force reiterated its dedication to addressing violent crime in all communities, including rural and farming areas, and continues to engage with all relevant parties to strengthen crime prevention efforts.
The Ministry reaffirmed its broader commitment to improving safety for all South Africans, stating that law enforcement agencies will persist in their efforts to combat crime while maintaining the credibility and reliability of crime statistics.
