Stats SA crime survey: Police seen as too useless or unwilling to help

A Stats SA survey found that over 1.08 million households experienced housebreaking in 2025/26, yet only 48.2% reported these incidents to the police. The main reason for not reporting was the belief that police would not take action. Additionally, the proportion of South Africans taking personal safety measures rose to 46.6% in 2025/26, with 78.3% feeling safer after taking precautions.