DA welcomes imminent release of crime statistics

Note to editors: Please find attached soundbite by Ian Cameron MP

Amidst a surge in gun violence that has plagued the country, the DA is delighted that the overdue crime statistics will finally be released next month.

Over two months ago, former Minister of Police Bheki Cele failed to release the crime statistics despite a public announcement by the South African Police Service (SAPS) that the statistics would be available at noon on May 17, 2024. Even after DA Police Shadow Minister at the time, Andrew Whitfield MP submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) request to address Cele's refusal to release the data before the elections, the information remained elusive.

South Africa has been deeply affected by rampant crime and lawlessness, with families torn apart and communities in turmoil. Just yesterday, a teacher in KwaZulu-Natal was tragically killed in front of her students, and over the weekend, mass shootings in KwaZulu-Natal, North West, and Western Cape resulted in at least 20 murders-a grim reminder of the rising trend in mass killings.

The South African public will get the picture of the real state of affairs and insight into SAPS' measures to combat crime and lawlessness.