By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia delivered an address to outline the latest crime statistics for the 2025-26 Quarter 1 and 2 of the financial year.
The speech covers the six month period from 1 April to the 30th September 2025. He expressed his awareness over the public’s concern over the lack of security as criminals have often escaped the clutches of justice. He expressed his empathy over being a victim of crimes such as being mugged, having his being trespassed against.
“I know what it feels like to be mugged in the street, to be raided in one’s home and my heart goes out to those whose lives have been shattered when their loved ones are killed, injured, or traumatised as a result of violent crime. We all want to protect and need protection for our families and dignity for our communities,” said Cachalia in his speech.
Cachalia also expressed the psychology around why people lead a life of crime and attributed it to things such as greed, the need for power and wealth and also shedding light on criminal organizations having a hand in South Africa’s justice system as well as the capturing of public funds.
“Combatting gang violence requires effective, no compromise policing, effective investigation and prosecution. We must ensure that the gang lords pay for the harm they do to our society and the future of our society,” said the acting Minister of Police.
Cachalia expressed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) main focus is tackling and dismantling organised crime as he expressed that it poses a direct threat to the safety of various communities in the country.
“Criminal networks infiltrate political parties, government departments and procurement systems to steal public funds. These criminals wear fancy suits and designer clothes, pretending they are legitimate business people.” said Cachalia.
“That is why tackling organised crime and its associated corruption, must be a national priority. We need focused, specialist capability based on closer collaboration between the police, prosecutors, financial regulators, the South African revenue service (SARS), and the private sector.” Cachalia said in his speech.
Another priority highlighted by the acting Minister of Police is the need for professional policing and how political interference has derailed efficiency in this regard due to abuse of power. “Professional Policing is the foundation of public safety.
When police act with integrity, competence, and respect for the law, communities can feel safe. Victims and whistleblowers gain the confidence to report on crime,” said Cachalia.
Cachalia also announced the implementation of the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS) which will focus on enhancing arrests, prosecution as the strategy outlines seven priorities; promotion of early childhood development, reducing Gender-Based Violence through social interventions, creating safe public spaces through better urban design, combating substance abuse, strengthening local government capacity, rehabilitation of offender and improving coordination and data accountability.
“The president has declared this (Gender-Based Violence) as a national crisis. We have implemented effective policy initiatives over the last 30 years, but the results are disappointing because this is a deeply rooted societal problem,” said Cachalia.