The crisis behind police crime data: Unreported crime and challenges related to crime statistics in South Africa

Abstract

Every crime not reported is a crime not recorded, and every crime not recorded is a truth concealed”. In South Africa, the reliability of crime statistics remains a critical concern, raising questions about whether official data reflect the true extent of crime or merely the efficacy of policing. This study aimed to explore the processes, challenges, and effectiveness of crime statistics within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and their implications for policy and operational decision-making. Adopting a qualitative research approach, the study employed a descriptive, case-study design to gain in-depth insights from twelve purposively selected participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic content analysis to identify key patterns and recurring themes. The findings revealed that unreported crimes significantly distort official statistics, that public mistrust and logistical challenges hinder accurate reporting, and that inconsistencies in data classification and recording undermine the utility of crime statistics as a monitoring tool. Participants highlighted the role of complementary systems, such as CAS, GIS, CTA, and CPA, in enhancing crime data accuracy, while international comparisons underscored the benefits of multi-source data integration. The study recommends targeted interventions to improve public trust, standardise data management practices, and establish independent verification mechanisms to enhance the reliability of crime statistics. By bridging theoretical perspectives from Routine Activity Theory and Social Disorganization Theory with empirical insights, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of underreporting dynamics and provides actionable strategies for improving crime monitoring and policy formulation in South Africa.