The third-quarter crime statistics for the 2025/26 financial year, covering the period 1 October to 31 December, were released on Wednesday (11/3) in Mahikeng. North West community safety and transport MEC Wessels Morweng, said the period under review is traditionally associated with higher crime levels.

“Compared to the other reporting periods, the period under review is generally characterised by high levels of crime. This is due to various factors, including that the period is festive season. It is during this time that crime levels tend to increase, especially contact crimes,” said Morweng. Several social factors contribute to the spike in crime during this time of the year, he added. 

“Some of these crimes are perpetuated by increased levels of drinking, high concentration of festivities, and the heightened need for spending money for the festive season. 

'The number of cases recorded during the reporting period was the lowest since 2022'

It is during this time that crimes such as murder, assaults, and robberies take an upward trend; however, the province saw a decrease of 4.1% which is 1 110 cases in the 17 community reported crimes,” he said.

The number of cases recorded during the reporting period was the lowest since 2022, said Morweng. 

The province also recorded a 7% decrease in contact crimes, contact-related crimes is down 6%, and property-related crimes 1.7%. However, other serious crimes increased slightly, with twelve more cases reported, representing a 0.2% rise compared to the same period the year before.

“Whilst the crime levels decreased,” said Morweng, “it is worth noting that some of the crimes remained a challenge and took an upward trend. They include attempted murder, attempted sexual offences, carjacking, cash in transit robbery, and truck hijackings.”

Sexual offences also showed a notable decline during the reporting period. There were 48 fewer rape cases reported, while murder cases decreased by 251, the lowest recorded since 2021. 

“In general, the 2025/26 financial year third quarter saw a positive end. Amongst others, this was achieved through intensified crime prevention drives such as Operation Safer Festive Season and Operation Shanela.”

Cooperation played key role

Cooperation between law enforcement agencies also played a key role in improving crime detection, said Morweng, “especially crimes detected as a result of police action. The province recorded eight hundred and forty-nine cases more than the previous quarter, which is a 21.3% increase.”

However, there was a slight 4.4% decrease in cases of illegal possession of firearms. Police also reported a 10.3% increase in drug-related arrests: 205 more arrests were recorded compared with the previous period.

As the period included the festive season, 548 more people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, a 51% increase, while 105 more cases of sexual offences were reported as a result of police action, Morweng said.

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm