Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has called on AfriForum to back up its claims that the recent national crime statistics misrepresent the number of white farm murders in South Africa.
On February 21, 2025, Mchunu released the third-quarter crime statistics for the 2024/2025 financial year, reporting a significant decline in crime. However, AfriForum, a civil rights organization advocating for minority groups, disputed the accuracy of the data, citing concerns over SAPS’s flawed record-keeping.
AfriForum’s Concerns Over Crime Data
AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety, Jacques Broodryk, criticized the SAPS figures, arguing that the organization’s own Neighbourhood and Farm Watch units have not observed any significant crime reduction.
“Our community-led crime prevention initiatives have not seen a decrease in farm attacks or murders. The police statistics simply do not reflect the reality on the ground,” Broodryk stated.
Mchunu Demands Evidence
In response, Mchunu dismissed AfriForum’s concerns and challenged the group to provide concrete evidence of its claims.
“AfriForum, ahead of their trip to America, disputed our quarterly crime statistics, alleging that five farm owners were murdered during this period. We challenge AfriForum, as soon as they return to South Africa, to provide evidence of these incidents,” said Mchunu.
He also criticized the lobby group’s narrative, stating that their approach exaggerates white farm murder rates and promotes misleading statistics.
“Our data indicates that only one white farmer was murdered in the third quarter of this financial year. If AfriForum disputes this, they should bring facts to the table to ensure accurate record-keeping,” he added.
AfriForum’s U.S. Visit and Political Criticism
AfriForum’s CEO, Kallie Kriel, defended the group’s recent visit to the U.S., where they sought support from members of the Donald Trump administration.
Kriel justified the trip, citing frustrations with the South African government’s refusal to address their concerns about farm attacks and land policies.
“The ANC government, under President Cyril Ramaphosa, continues to create division with policies like the Bela Act and Land Expropriation without Compensation. This is why we are taking our concerns to international platforms,” Kriel stated.
The land expropriation policy remains a contentious issue in South Africa, with AfriForum arguing it could lead to economic instability and increased racial tensions.
