South Africa's police released quarterly crime statistics on November 28, 2025, showing a slight decline in murders nationwide, though sexual offences rose. The data covers April to September 2025 and coincides with an ongoing law enforcement scandal involving alleged drug cartel infiltration. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia highlighted the need to combat organised crime and professionalise the police.
On November 28, 2025, the South African Police Service (SAPS) released crime statistics for two quarters: April to June 2025 and July to September 2025. The figures indicate a decrease in murders for the second quarter, with 5,794 recorded between July and September, down 751 cases from the previous year. Carjacking and residential robberies also fell, but sexual offences increased.
The main causes of murders were arguments and robberies, with most occurring in public spaces. This period aligns with the start of a major policing scandal in July 2025, when KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused a drug trafficking cartel of infiltrating the criminal justice system and politics. In response, the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and a parliamentary ad hoc committee were established to investigate.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, speaking before the release, addressed criminal networks infiltrating government and politics. He stated: “Criminal networks infiltrate political parties, government departments, and procurement systems to steal public funds. […] We have seen the damage that State Capture has done to our country and its institutions, and we now know that capture continues in different forms.” Cachalia referenced individuals in “fancy suits and designer clothes, pretending that they are legitimate businesspeople,” alluding to organised crime figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who testified before the ad hoc committee in Pretoria's Kgosi Mampuru Prison.
He cited the R2-billion looting at Gauteng’s Tembisa Hospital as an example of ongoing capture and stressed following the money trail. Cachalia called for specialised police capabilities, better collaboration with agencies like the South African Revenue Service, and strong witness protection. He prioritised professionalising the police to avoid political interference: “We need a professional police service which acts outside of the political process without fear or favour.”
Gang violence drew attention, with 315 gang-related murders nationwide from July to September, 293 in the Western Cape. An integrated anti-gang strategy is in place in Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal. The statistics' release was delayed due to the scandal, which led to former minister Senzo Mchunu being placed on special leave; he denies wrongdoing.
In the Western Cape, Premier Alan Winde noted a 9.1% provincial murder increase but praised the LEAP program for a 9.4% reduction in Cape Flats areas. Cachalia observed declines in murders and aggravated robbery but persistent rises in sexual offences, gender-based violence, and online commercial crime, pledging enhanced digital efforts through partnerships.