The latest crime statistics, released in Kimberley on Monday (15/6), showed promising declines in a number of violent crime categories in the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year.

It was presented by Northern Cape premier Dr Zamani Saul, MEC for transport, safety and liaison Limakatso Koloi and provincial commissioner Lt. Gen. Koliswa Otola. The briefing painted a mixed picture of progress and ongoing challenges across the province.

Otola reported contact crimes declined by 416 cases compared to the same period in the previous financial year. Six of the seven contact crime categories recorded decreases.

“During the previous sitting when we released the third quarter crime statistics, SAPS committed to improving the reduction of crime,” said Otola.

“Today, I am proud to report that our men and women in blue, together with community involvement and external stakeholders, have delivered positive results in reducing several categories of crime.”

Northern Cape police recorded a reduction in contact crimes. A total of 416 fewer cases were reported compared with the same period in the previous financial year. “It demonstrates that our targeted deployments and crime prevention strategies are yielding results,” Otola said.

“Although we are encouraged by the overall decline, we remain concerned about increases in attempted murder and the rising figures in certain districts, which require intensified focus and resource allocation.”

There was a decrease of 35 cases of murder, 106 cases of sexual offenses, 39 cases of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily injury, 163 cases of ordinary assault, 40 cases of common robbery, and 83 cases of robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Attempted murder, however, increased during the period. The province also recorded a reduction of 291 cases in the 17 community-reported serious crimes category, reflecting an overall decrease of 2.6%.

‘The Frances Baard district remains the province’s crime epicentre’

The Frances Baard district remains the province’s crime epicentre, including Kimberley, Hartswater, and Barkly West. It recorded the highest number of murders and accounted for ten of the 30 police stations nationwide ranked among the highest for serious crime.

The district also reported 1,061 property-related crimes, an increase of 4.8%, and 842 theft cases not otherwise specified, making it the leading contributor to theft-related offences in the province.

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