The Democratic Alliance (DA) has raised concerns over what it describes as a shortage of state-run shelters for victims of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in Mpumalanga, following the release of the latest SAPS crime statistics.
According to the DA, the province currently has only two state-run shelters for GBVF victims despite hundreds of reported cases of sexual offences during the first three months of 2026. The party has called on the provincial government to consider establishing a state-run shelter in each of Mpumalanga's 17 local municipalities.
The call follows the release of SAPS Fourth Quarter Crime Statistics, which recorded hundreds of sexual offence-related cases across Mpumalanga between January and March 2026. The province also saw several police stations feature among South Africa's Top 30 stations for sexual offences and rape. Piet Retief appeared among the country's Top 30 stations for sexual offences, while both Piet Retief and Ermelo featured among the Top 30 stations for reported rape cases.
The DA argues that the number of reported cases highlights the need for greater support services for victims, including access to safe accommodation, counselling and other assistance. The party has submitted questions to the provincial Department of Social Development regarding plans to expand shelter facilities for victims of gender-based violence.
The issue comes as government and civil society organisations continue efforts to strengthen the fight against GBVF in the province. In February 2025, the Mpumalanga Provincial Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide was launched with the aim of improving access to support services such as shelters, counselling, legal assistance and healthcare for survivors.
The DA maintains that additional shelters would help ensure that victims across the province, particularly those living far from existing facilities, have access to places of safety when escaping abusive situations.