Police struggle with murder investigations, less than 20% lead to meaningful progress
via The Citizen13 min read
A recent disclosure from the Ministry of Police reveals that a significant majority of murder cases are not being solved, with many going cold early in the investigation process. The South African Police Service Saps aimed for an 11.33% murder detection rate in April 2025, meaning only 720 of 6,351 cases would see substantial progress. Data from the most recent financial year shows that 27 out of 35 high-profile stations had detection rates below 10%, with some as low as 1.4%. The 35 detective branches received a combined R304 million in funding for transport, capital, and assets in the 2024-25 financial year, with Gauteng receiving the largest allocation of R75 million, despite 12 of its 15 listed stations having detection rates below 10%. While some stations like Temba Saps in northern Tshwane recorded higher detection rates of 18%, others like Hillbrow, Jeppe, and Johannesburg Central had rates as low as 2.5%, 1.4%, and 1.8% respectively. Limpopo's Mankweng and Thohoyandou stations saw their detection rates drop significantly, corresponding with a 25% budget reduction. Despite this, the ministry stated that no analysis between funding and outcomes has been conducted, asserting that crimes are investigated regardless of resource status. Police portfolio committee chair Ian Cameron emphasized that proper investigation requires adequate resources such as vehicles, phones, computers, and forensic support. Although detection rates are low, 11 of the 35 stations achieved 100% co
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Some members of the Democratic Alliance DA are reportedly upset about the decision to remove former DA leader John Steenhuisen from his position as agriculture minister. The discontent stems from an alleged agreement between current DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis and Steenhuisen, where Steenhuisen would retain his ministerial role if he did not seek another term as party leader. Hill-Lewis has since written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, proposing Steenhuisen's replacement by Willie Aucamp as agriculture minister, with Steenhuisen moving to deputy minister of trade, industry and competition. Ramaphosa has not yet confirmed these changes. Some DA members claim they were not consulted on the reshuffle, with one source suggesting that Hill-Lewis's decision has exposed party divisions and that Steenhuisen feels "betrayed." Political analyst Prof Theo Neethling indicated that the move might be "pure DA damage control" due to Steenhuisen's handling of the foot-and-mouth disease crisis, which alienated many farmers. Hill-Lewis, however, stated his decision was made in the best interests of the DA and the government of national unity, prioritizing public and voter loyalty.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of party leader Jacob Zuma, stated she does not hold her father responsible for her expulsion from the MK party, instead blaming individuals surrounding the party's leadership. She made these comments at a media briefing on Sunday, following her and former national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela's expulsion from the party on Thursday. Zuma-Sambudla indicated she has not yet discussed the expulsion with her father but plans to do so next week. The party cited a series of actions, public statements, and activities by Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela as reasons for their removal. Zuma-Sambudla was accused of undermining party unity and promoting factional narratives, while Ndhlela was accused of unauthorized media briefings and misrepresenting party positions. Ndhlela claims that both his and Zuma's roles in the MK party were undermined and that he and Zuma-Sambudla will challenge their expulsions in the high court, asserting that no disciplinary hearing was held before their removal.
A Limpopo councillor, Netshivhumbe Gumani, 44, was arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe a Special Investigating Unit SIU investigator with R70,000 to disregard evidence in a corruption probe. The investigation concerns allegations of maladministration and corruption related to two tenders by the Mahikeng Local Municipality. Gumani reportedly approached three SIU investigators, offering R10,000 in cash as part of the bribe during a meeting in Mahikeng. The SIU, in collaboration with the South African Police Service and the Hawks, conducted an entrapment operation leading to Gumani's arrest. He faces corruption charges and appeared in the Molopo Magistrates' Court, with his case postponed to June 29, 2026, for a bail application. The SIU stated that its investigators maintain high integrity and that attempts to corrupt them will be met with legal action.