Crime victims turn away from police as trust collapses

South Africans are increasingly taking their own precautions against crime, driven by growing distrust in the police to protect them. According to a recent survey by Statistics South Africa, 1.08 million households experienced housebreaking during the 2025/26 financial year, but only 48.2% reported these incidents to law enforcement.

The reporting gap was even wider for theft of personal property (37.3%) and street robbery (41.7%). The most common reason for not reporting was the belief that the police would not take action. Additionally, 26.4% of individuals aged 16 and older stated that they felt the police could handle the situation, citing this as their reason for not taking further protective measures.

Safety concerns varied by location, with Gauteng and the Western Cape reporting the highest levels of worry about personal safety. In contrast, Limpopo residents felt the safest, with 98% reporting a sense of security during the day. Women consistently reported feeling less safe than men at night, with only 44.9% feeling very unsafe compared to 39.6% of males.

The Statistical Services Commission has attributed the low levels of public trust in the police to a wider crisis, emphasizing the need for a professional and accountable public police service to restore confidence and ensure equal protection for all communities.