Every year, the South African Minister of Police releases the crime statistics in September and the SAPS
Annual Report shortly thereafter. In this article we draw on an earlier analysis by David Bruce (SACQ
31) that questioned the veracity of the SAPS statistics for inter-personal violence. We show that there
remains reason to question the veracity of the assault statistics, and point to other weaknesses in the way
in which the statistics are reported. We argue that greater value would be obtained from the crime
statistics if reported more frequently than once a year, and if they were disaggregated to a greater degree.
The SAPS has a sophisticated and up-to-date system for recording and analysing crime data. This could
prove an invaluable source of information for those who seek to better understand and respond to crime
in South Africa. However, a long-overdue policy change is needed to ensure that South Africa can make
better use of its crime statistics.