Western Cape crime crisis deepens as DA blames ANC for inadequate policing

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has voiced its outrage over the ANC national government's continuous neglect of policing in the Western Cape, a sentiment that resonates deeply with residents grappling with a surging tide of violence and crime. The latest crime statistics present a stark picture of a province struggling under the weight of serious criminal activity, prompting urgent calls for action from local leaders.

According to crime data released for the period from April to June 2025, the Western Cape recorded an alarming 65,772 serious crimes and 1,148 murders. Mfuleni emerged as a grim focal point, ranking second in the nation with 72 murders, marking a staggering 24.1% increase from the previous year. Following closely were Delft and Nyanga, with 70 and 58 murders, respectively. Further compounding these alarming figures, Gugulethu saw a dramatic rise in violent fatalities, with a 30.2% increase leading to 56 murders.

Perhaps most concerning is the revelation that 710 murders in the province involved firearms, directly highlighting the failures of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) firearm control and intelligence systems. These statistics underscore a troubling reality: lives are lost as a result of the ANC's persistent failure to provide adequate resources for policing in the Western Cape.

The crisis escalated from July to September 2025, with yet another surge of 68,180 serious crimes and 1,160 murders reported—a 9.1% increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, Mfuleni experienced a dramatic surge in violence, with 84 murders reflecting a 44.8% increase. Other areas similarly grappled with high murder rates, including Kraaifontein with 64, Delft 60, and Gugulethu 56. Gang-related violence continued to plague the province, with 293 murders categorised as gang-related, showing that public spaces such as streets and open fields have become battlegrounds.

Benedicta van Minnen, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Police Oversight and Community Safety, did not mince her words: “This is the direct outcome of a SAPS that is under-resourced, mismanaged, and centrally controlled by an ANC government that has abandoned the people of this province. The DA will not remain silent while the ANC's policing failures continue to cost lives.”

In light of these dismal statistics, the DA has reiterated its demands for immediate, decisive action from the Minister of Police. Key proposals include:

*Initiating a full review of SAPS leadership in the Western Cape, notably assessing the performance of Provincial Commissioner Thembisile Patekile whose tenure coincides with rising violent crime.

*Devolving investigative policing powers to the provincial government and the City, enabling stronger investigations and the deployment of specialised units to address SAPS's failures.

Van Minnen concluded, “The safety of Western Cape residents can no longer be held hostage by an incapable national government. The DA will continue to fight for policing powers that allow us to deliver the safety that communities deserve.” As the spectre of violence hangs heavily over communities, the push for responsible governance and enhanced policing remains a pressing and unyielding battle.