Worldwide, 27% of women and girls aged 15 and older have experienced physical or sexual intimate partner violence. In South Africa this figure is between 30% and 50%
– The Lancet Psychiatry Commission on Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Health: advancing mental health services, research, and policy
South Africa's violent crime crisis
Q3 2025/26 (October – December 2025) crime statistics released by SAPS on 20 February 2026
Please note that the South African Police Service (SAPS) no longer releases disaggregated crime statistics specifically relating to women and children. According to SAPS’ own admission, previously reported figures in this category were found to be inaccurate.
As a result, the absence of updated disaggregated statistics limits the ability of organisations, researchers, and the public to accurately assess the scale and trends of crimes affecting women and children. References to such statistics on this website are therefore based on the most recent publicly available data or credible secondary sources where applicable.
Action Society remains committed to advocating for greater transparency and accountability in crime reporting so that the public can access reliable information about the safety of women and children in South Africa.
BE A VOICE TO THE VOICELESS
We believe that victims can become victors when their voice and dignity is restored. In South Africa justice isn’t guaranteed. Action Society is committed to be a voice to the voiceless and fighters for justice in the battle to protect women, children and people with disabilities from violence. We believe in giving them back their voice.
You can help!
Read their stories and pledge to #SayHerName
Siphokazi Booi
Siphokazi Booi was brutally murdered, dismembered, and set alight by her boyfriend, her remains found in a wheelie bin near a railway in Mbekweni. Her killer, Sithobele Qebe, pleaded guilty and has been sentenced to life imprisonment, along with additional concurrent terms for related charges.
Liezel de Jager
Reverend Liezel de Jager was strangled to death by her husband in October 2021, who then staged the scene to appear as suicide. Her husband, Werner de Jager, was eventually arrested, but in April 2024 he died in custody before he could be fully tried, leaving the case unresolved.
Alwaba Sondara
Alwaba was brutally beaten by her boyfriend, Asive Kulwane on 18 December 2021. The accused took her to the Khayelitsha hospital more than an hour away and then fled the area. Later, she was transferred to Tygerberg Hospital where she remained in a coma until she died on 12 January 2022.
Nadia Lotz
Nadia Lotz was brutally murdered in March, allegedly by her partner of 14 years, Charles Appolis. 32-year-old Nadia was in the passenger seat while her friend was driving. Appolis was seated in the back, leaned forward and slit her throat.
*Lily
The 45-year-old woman from Bonteheuwel was gang-raped by a group of men in December 2022 in a nightmarish ordeal that left her and her family deeply scarred. The case was postponed several times due to the state's failure to provide a sign language interpreter.
Kraaifontein Granny
A 82-year-old grandmother from Kraaifontein was assaulted by her 19-year-old man grandson. The elderly woman was hospitalised for an unrelated ailment and declined to submit a statement.
Nomasonto Modzanane
On 21 February 2024, a bakkie driver purposefully ran over and reversed over Nomasonto Felicity Modzanane when she crossed a road in front of her workplace in Randfontein. She died from her injuries. The tragic and gruesome incident was caught on CCTV footage, and the bakkie and driver are identifiable.
Suritha Alting
Make-up artist Suritha Alting was robbed and stabbed 16 times while walking home from a restaurant in Richwood in November 2022. Her killer, Xolani Du Preez, was sentenced under the Child Justice Act but later escaped custody and reoffended, sparking outrage and renewed calls for accountability.
Ellen Malan
Ellen Malan, aged 89, was found murdered in her Tafelsig home in the night of 27–28 September 2024, her hands tied, in what appears to be a brutal and premeditated attack. More than a year later, the investigation is stalled. Forensic results (fingerprint and DNA) remain outstanding, prompting complaints to the DNA Board and SAPS leadership over the handling of evidence and lack of accountability.
Gaby Ndaba
Nonkululeko “Gaby” Ndaba went missing on 26 May 2023 and her body was later found under a bridge near Boksburg. Recently, after sustained pressure, the Dawn Park police station removed the lead investigator, appointed a new one and reviewing the case.
Aaliyah Chingy
Twenty-year-old Aaliyah Chingy was brutally stabbed and buried in a shallow grave in Delft in February 2023. After years of delays, her boyfriend, Moeneeb Hess, was finally found guilty and sentenced in August 2025.
Cleo Diko
Cleo Diko, a mother of three, was murdered after going missing in October 2022. Her body was found hidden under a bed in January 2023, buried under cement and tiles. Her killer, Sandile Jegwa, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in March 2024 to 20 years in prison.
Charlene Pretorius
Charlene Pretorius was brutally set alight by her husband in front of their teenage daughter in May 2023. He was arrested after trying to flee, and the court case has since been postponed as the matter is moved toward the high court for further proceedings.
Sheri-Ann Pretorius
Sheri-Ann Pretorius was found dead in November 2021. Her death was initially ruled a suicide, but inconsistencies and forensic evidence later pointed to homicide. The case has now been transferred to the Cape Town High Court, with the accused, Jacques Pretorius, expected to make his first appearance in November 2025.
Janelle Laattoe
Janelle Laattoe endured years of brutal abuse, including having her wrist broken and her teeth damaged, and repeatedly faced institutional failure when her case was provisionally withdrawn and her docket went missing. Today, she and two other women are finally pushing her case to trial against a serial abuser, while the court warns against further delays.
GET INVOLVED
Your support delivers justice, hope, and accountability. Help us fight for victims, empower survivors, and make South Africa safer for all.
TAKE THE PLEDGE
The state continues to fail to shield those most vulnerable in our society from crime, and perpetrators evade prosecution for years, continuing on their violent course.
Take the pledge to support Action Society’s #SayHerName campaign. By pledging your support to this campaign, we commit to keep you updated on the stories of the women and children we represent, so that you can honour your pledge and #SayHerName by sharing their stories.