The continued neglect of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has left our province dangerously exposed, with the latest crime statistics reflecting sharp increases across several serious crime categories.
The Northern Cape is one of only two provinces to record a rise in murder. Attempted murder has also increased, with eight police stations now ranked among the top 30 nationally in this category. In several robbery categories including common robbery, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and robberies at residential and non-residential premises, the Northern Cape was, in some instances, the only province to show increases.
The province further retains the third-highest rape ratio nationally and has recorded an increase in kidnappings.
Since the Northern Cape first emerged as the only province recording increases in murder and contact crimes between January and March 2025, the DA has consistently called on the Provincial Police Commissioner, Koliswa Otola, to urgently strengthen law enforcement in communities that are fast descending into lawlessness.
Despite repeated engagements and calls for improved staffing and proper resourcing of police stations, there has been no meaningful improvement.
The third quarter crime statistics for 2025/2026 must serve as a national wake-up call. Criminals are exploiting the vastness and under-policing of our rural province with deadly consequences.
As Minister Firoz Cachalia rightly stated, fighting crime requires a whole-of-society approach, but it must start with a capable, visible and properly resourced police service, supported by a provincial government committed to enabling safer communities.
The DA will again request that the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature summons a delegation from Commissioner Otola’s office to appear before the Portfolio Committee on Safety. This time, Premier Zamani Saul must also be called to jointly account for these escalating trends and to present clear, time-bound interventions to stabilise our communities.
The Northern Cape cannot remain a hunting ground for criminals. Our residents deserve protection, not to become the next crime statistic.