Speaking in the Oval Office while accompanying President Cyril Ramaphosa on a diplomatic visit, Rupert rejected the narrative that only white farmers were victims of violent crime, stating, “The biggest murder rate is in the Cape Flats. Gangs. We’ve got gang warfare.”

Rupert’s remarks came in response to claims made by US President Donald Trump and his officials, who have previously referred to attacks on white farmers in South Africa as “white genocide.”

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis pushed back, saying the city is severely limited in its ability to tackle crime due to centralised national control over policing. “Rupert knows well that the full criminal justice system—policing, prosecution, and incarceration—is handled by the national government,” he said. Hill-Lewis urged Rupert to support calls for local authorities to have investigative powers.

Cape Muslim Congress leader Yagyah Adams said Rupert’s comments could finally prompt national leaders to act. “Maybe now, after being embarrassed internationally, they’ll listen,” he said, criticising government inaction while crime surges and citizens continue to live in fear.

Adams argued that crime affects everyone, regardless of race or religion. “Whites, blacks, Muslims, Christians—we’re all angry. Innocent people are being killed. It doesn’t matter if it’s a white farmer or a black accountant,” he said. He blamed the ANC for failing to tackle crime, accusing it of neglecting nation-building in favour of political games.

Cosatu president Zingiswa Losi, who also attended the White House meeting, echoed these sentiments. “The problem is not race—it’s crime,” she said, calling for advanced technology to help South Africa fight back.

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