By Zukile Majova
- Gauteng police say the province recorded 8,253 fewer serious crimes in the third quarter of 2025/2026, with murder down 11.8%.
- Kidnappings went up by 2.1% in Gauteng during the third quarter of 2025/2026, and 10 police officers were also killed.
Gauteng police say the number of serious crimes in the province is coming down, but kidnappings are on the rise and police officers continue to be killed.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni released the latest crime statistics on Tuesday, 4 March. The figures cover the third quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year.
Gauteng recorded 8,253 fewer serious crimes compared to the same period last year. The province still accounts for 26.1% of all reported crime in South Africa.
Contact crimes, which include murder, attempted murder, assault and robbery with aggravating circumstances, dropped by 9% overall. Murder fell by 11.8%.
Attempted murder went the other way, rising by 6.5%. Police say many killings start with arguments, road rage or personal disputes.
Ten police officers were killed during the three-month period. Six were off duty and four were on duty when they died. The deaths of police officers remain a serious concern.
Sexual offences also dropped. Overall sexual offences fell by 8% compared to the same quarter last year. Rape dropped by 7% and sexual assault fell by 12.8%.
Courts sentenced 1,189 sexual offenders during the quarter. The sentences included 25 life terms and a combined 577 years in prison.
Robbery with aggravating circumstances also dropped, falling by 6.3%.
Kidnappings went up by 2.1% during the same period. Police say the rise is worrying.
Police arrested 39,072 suspects during Operation Shanela 2. They also recovered firearms, ammunition and more than 200 stolen or hijacked vehicles.
Pictured above: Gauteng provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.
Image source: @SAPoliceService
