The South African Police Service (SAPS) has released its crime statistics for the third quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year, reporting decreases across several major crime categories.
According to the latest figures, murder cases declined by 8.7% during the reporting period. Police also arrested 1,906 murder suspects during the #SaferFestiveSeason operations, intensifying efforts to combat violent crime.
Robbery with aggravating circumstances recorded an 11.3% decrease, with 3,942 fewer counts compared to the previous reporting period. Trio crimes — which include carjacking, robbery at residential premises and robbery at non-residential premises — dropped by 13.8%.
Car hijackings decreased by 8.1%, while burglaries at non-residential premises fell by 12%. Burglaries at residential premises also showed a decline of 8.2%.
Sexual offences decreased by 2.8%, with 2,382 suspects arrested for rape during targeted festive season operations.
In efforts to curb gun-related crimes, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition declined by 2.8%. This week alone, authorities destroyed 13,859 confiscated firearms seized during intelligence-driven operations. Over the past seven years, a total of 305,934 firearms have been destroyed.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), SAPS reported that 631 perpetrators were convicted and sentenced to prison during the quarter. Of these, 109 received life imprisonment, 77 were sentenced to 20 years or more, 169 received sentences ranging between 10 and 19 years, and 276 were sentenced to between one and nine years.
SAPS said the latest statistics reflect continued efforts to reduce crime and strengthen law enforcement operations nationwide, while reaffirming its commitment to fighting violent crime and protecting communities across the country.
About The Author
