Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe says murder trend for the period of five years has declined.
The third quarter of provincial crime statistics show a slight decrease, highlighting several major breakthroughs across most categories.
In terms of the overall crime performance, contact crimes reduced by 11.7%, then trio crimes by 24.4%, then contact related crimes by 5.6%, property crime by 15.2% and other serious crimes by 8.6%, effectively bringing the total of 17 priority crimes reduction to 11.2%.
During the third quarter, murder cases in the province increased by 5.9%, while the province recorded 203 cases the previous year.
This is according provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe during the release of 2025/26 financial year (October to December 2025).
Hadebe said, “It is worth mentioning that murder trend for the period of five years has declined to -25.9%,”
Highlighting operational achievements, she announced that: “180 people were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and recovered 243 firearms and a substantial number of ammunition, reflecting our ongoing efforts to remove illegal weapons from circulation. 2,654 arrests for drug-related crimes (increase of 3.4%), 1,665 arrests for drunk driving (increase of 40.4%)
“178 suspects were arrested for murder; 91 for attempted murder; 288 for rape; 4,285 undocumented foreign nationals arrested.”
During this financial year, 2,471 illegal operations conducted, 1,858 unlicensed shebeens closed, 103 hijacked or stolen vehicles recovered.
“In a concerted effort in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide, the province recorded a decrease of 5.8% on sexual offences, with rape decreasing at 5.5%, sexual assault increased by 3 cases, and attempted sexual assault decreasing by 15 cases. “We are bolstering our FCS unit with additional personnel; 124 police officers are currently in field development and will be serving in this unit and other critical environments. This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to hold accountable perpetrators of violence against women and children,” said Hadebe.
Meanwhile, the MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, welcomed the overall crime reduction but expressed concern about the increase in murder.
She commended the police for their dedication and urged communities to continue reporting crime and supporting crime prevention.
Mathye acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the JCPS Cluster and emphasised the need for continued cooperation to address pressing issues.
“To the provincial commissioner and the top management, we commend your efforts. Nevertheless, more work remains. My office, through the HoD, remains committed to providing assistance as required,” Mathye stated, reaffirming the department’s commitment to enhancing community safety.
MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye says her department is committed to community safety.