Lack of SAPS report on strategies to combat femicide raises concerns amid rise in GBV cases
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has not compiled a detailed report on evidence-based strategies implemented in the past year to combat femicide, despite rising concerns over gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) rates across the country.
This was revealed in a written parliamentary reply from the Minister of Police to questions from EFF MP Sixolise Gcilishe, who had asked about the department’s efforts and measurable outcomes in addressing femicide, particularly in hotspot areas.
According to the reply, SAPS stated that while no detailed report has been compiled, its “strategic and operational approach to addressing Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) is informed by the requirements within the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBVF.”
The department said it collaborated with the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and the Department of Social Development “to identify specific GBVF hotspot areas in the country.” It added that a situational analysis had been conducted to inform its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan and 2025/26 Annual Performance Plan.
To assess the effectiveness of its initiatives, SAPS said it has developed indicators related to GBVF, including “the percentage of GBVF-related service complaints finalised within 14 working days,” as well as the “detection rate for contact crimes against women and children.”
On funding, SAPS confirmed that “approximately R1.6 billion” is expected to be spent on activities related to resourcing Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Units and responding to GBV matters.
It said of this amount, approximately R1.5 billion will go towards FCS units’ human and operational resources, while R40 million will be allocated for youth and vulnerable group awareness campaigns.
An additional R50 million was allocated to provinces for prioritisation of GBV responses and strengthening of FCS Units.
SAPS said it has prioritised the capacitation of the Detective Service during the 2025/26 financial year, including the “placement of newly recruited students who have received specialised training”, and the “re-enlistment of detectives who exited the SAPS”.
In response to a question on why femicide has not been declared a national crisis, the Minister said he “does not have the authority to classify or declare any matter as a crisis or disaster in terms of the Disaster Management Act, 2002”.