Violent crime remains one of South Africa’s most pressing public concerns, placing policing, accountability and community safety firmly on the election agenda.
Official police statistics indicate that about 58 people are murdered in the country each day, alongside daily cases of rape, kidnapping and violent assault. The scale of the challenge has renewed questions about the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate serious crimes and protect vulnerable communities.
Recent events in the Vusimuzi Informal Settlement in Thembisa, Ekurhuleni, have added to those concerns. Reports indicate that 18 bodies were discovered in the area over an 18-month period. The Democratic Alliance (DA) said that, of 18 murder cases opened in connection with the area, 15 remained unsolved, with no arrests made in those cases.
Against this backdrop, the African National Congress (ANC), DA, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have outlined different approaches to improving public safety. Their proposals range from community-based policing and decentralised police management to increased recruitment, tougher penalties and greater use of surveillance technology.
ANC and DA focus on community safety and local accountability
The ANC’s public safety proposals emphasise cooperation between law enforcement agencies, communities and local leadership. The party has pledged to convene and strengthen Community Safety Forums in every municipality within its first 100 days in office. These forums would bring together police, residents, business owners and traditional leaders to coordinate local safety initiatives.
The ANC also proposes monitored CCTV networks in crime hotspots and specialised enforcement units to address infrastructure theft, municipal by-law violations and extortion targeting public projects. Its manifesto further identifies gender-based violence and femicide as priorities, alongside measures to address hijacked buildings and criminal networks operating in urban areas.
The DA, meanwhile, wants to shift more policing authority from national government to provincial administrations. It argues that a centralised system managed from Pretoria can struggle to respond quickly to neighbourhood-specific problems.
The party proposes devolving policing powers to provincial governments so local stations can be adequately staffed, resourced and held accountable. It also wants to improve conditions in high-crime areas through better street lighting, improved road access in informal settlements and action against illegal drinking venues.
To address investigation backlogs and strengthen prosecutions, the DA proposes specialist investigative teams working directly with prosecutors. Its manifesto refers to a “Catch, Convict, and Clean” approach intended to speed up investigations and improve judicial outcomes.
The party also supports closer coordination between private security companies, neighbourhood watches and Community Policing Forums, arguing that communities need effective responses rather than promises alone.
MK party and EFF propose tougher measures and technology
The MK party identifies shortages of police personnel as a major contributor to crime and calls for greater investment in recruitment, training and equipment. It also proposes specialised units dedicated to gender-based crime investigations at police stations nationwide.
On criminal penalties, the party advocates holding a referendum on the death penalty. It also places stronger border security among its public safety priorities. These proposals would require further legal and political processes before any implementation.
The EFF places greater emphasis on technology, municipal enforcement and accessible public facilities. Its manifesto calls for upgrades to police stations and detention facilities, including features such as entrance ramps and automated doors to improve accessibility.
The party also proposes targeted programmes at police stations experiencing high levels of gender-based violence. To improve crime monitoring, it wants law enforcement to use CCTV cameras, drones, gunshot detection systems and real-time monitoring centres.
Another part of the EFF’s plan is to establish municipal courts to deal more quickly with by-law offences, reducing pressure on other courts. To address corruption, the party proposes lifestyle audits for municipal officials and twice-yearly physical fitness tests for police officers.
Turning campaign promises into safer communities
The events in Vusimuzi have underscored the urgency of improving investigations, strengthening accountability and protecting residents from violent crime.
Although the four parties differ in their approaches, each presents its proposals as a way to improve public safety. The ANC emphasises community partnerships, the DA advocates decentralised policing, the MK party calls for expanded law enforcement capacity and tougher penalties, while the EFF focuses on technology and municipal oversight.
Ultimately, voters will judge these commitments by their results. Faster investigations, better support for victims, adequately resourced police stations and greater public confidence in law enforcement will be central to determining whether campaign promises translate into safer neighbourhoods.