The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Friday demanded the immediate release of the delayed first quarter (Q1) crime statistics, saying the delay raises serious questions about South African Police Service’s (Saps’) capacity and willingness to ensure accountability.

The party said it would be writing to Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia, demanding the release to Parliament and the public, as required by law and established Cabinet practice, and to provide clarity on the reasons for the omissions and delays.

The last crime statistics were released on May 23, with the party noting that Q1 statistics are overdue.

The party have been calling for greater transparency and timely updates from the Ministry of Police, citing concerns about accountability and public information.

“The DA is deeply concerned that Saps has yet to release the Q1 crime statistics for the 2025/26 financial year, which were due at the end of August 2025,” said DA spokesperson on Police Lisa Schickerling.

Schickerling said the Saps was both legally and constitutionally obligated to keep the public informed.

She pointed out that the “deliberate” delay in publishing the Q1 crime statistics undermined transparency, eroded public trust in policing, and fuelled suspicion that Saps was withholding vital information at a time when violent crime remained at crisis levels.

“South Africans cannot be left in the dark about the realities of crime in their neighbourhoods while the State withholds information,” she said.

Schickerling noted that her party’s concern was further fuelled by the fact that in the previous quarter, statistics on crimes committed against women and children were omitted owing to what Saps described as a “system error.”

“This omission was both deeply troubling and unacceptable, as these are among the most vulnerable groups in society who deserve focused protection. The repeated failure to provide comprehensive and timely statistics raises serious questions about Saps’ capacity and willingness to ensure accountability,” she explained.

Schickerling explained that crime statistics were not the property of Saps or the Minister of Police — they belonged to the people of South Africa.

“Transparent, consistent, and timely reporting is essential for communities, civil society organisations, and all spheres of government to respond to crime trends and hold Saps accountable.

“South Africans deserve the truth about the state of crime in their country — not secrecy, excuses, and further erosion of trust,” she said.