The Ministry of Police has confirmed that it has received a list of farm attacks submitted by AfriForum, in response to Minister Senzo Mchunu's request for evidence supporting their assertion that the official crime statistics released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) underreport the number of farm murders, especially those involving farm owners.

This follows AfriForum's concerns about the discrepancy between the statistics released by SAPS and the number of farm murders they have documented.

The civil rights organisation suggested that this discrepancy could indicate either a lack of awareness or a deliberate downplaying of the farm murder crisis by the Minister and SAPS.

‘’Preliminary findings indicate that, of the incidents listed, only one farm owner murder is reflected in the official crime statistics for the third quarter, which aligns with the reported figure of one farm owner murder during this period,’’ said the ministry’s spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi.

Mogotsi said that while the verification process is ongoing, no additional farm owner murders have been identified beyond those already reported in the official SAPS statistics.

Mogotsi noted that further updates would be provided once the full verification process is concluded.

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IOL previously reported that AfriForum disputed the official statistics, presenting evidence of eight confirmed farm murders between October and December 2024, while SAPS reported only one during that period.

AfriForum argued that this inconsistency highlights the underreporting of farm murders and suggested that rural safety issues are not receiving the necessary attention.

Mchunu released the third-quarter crime statistics for 2024/2025 on February 21, which revealed a significant reduction in overall crime. According to the statistics, only one farm murder was recorded during this period. In total, 12 farm murders were reported as part of the 6,953 total homicides, with one of the victims being a farmer.

Mogotsi emphasised that the SAPS remains committed to transparency and accuracy in crime reporting. The Ministry urges all stakeholders, including civil society organisations, to collaborate in ensuring that crime statistics are based on verified and reliable facts.

Mogotsi added: “The SAPS will continue to engage with all interested parties to enhance crime prevention efforts and ensure that statistical reporting remains accurate and credible.”

''The SAPS remains steadfast in its commitment to combating violent crime and improving the safety of all South Africans, particularly those in rural and farming communities. Law enforcement agencies continue to address crimes in all sectors, ensuring that rural safety is taken seriously.’’

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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Are farm murders underreported? SAPS looks into AfriForum's allegations