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The Limpopo third quarter crime statistics for the 2025/2026 financial period highlighted an overall decline in offences across the majority of the categories.
SAPS Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, together with Transport MEC Violet Mathye, released the statistics on February 23 in Polokwane, detailing developments between October and December 2025.
According to the statistics, in terms of the overall performance, contact crimes reduced by 11.7%, trio crimes by 24.4%, contact related crimes by 5.6%, property crime by 15.2% and other serious crimes by 8.6%, effectively bringing the total reduction of priority crimes to 11.2%.
Murder cases in the province increased by 5.9%. Two-hundred and three cases were recorded in the previous year. In this quarter, 215 were recorded, representing 12 additional murders.
Hadebe indicated that while this increase is a matter of concern, it is important to note that the overall contact crimes continued their downward trend when compared to the same period last year.
She said despite the increase, the police still maintained 3.5% on a 100 000 population per-capita basis and remain the lowest in the country for the past five consecutive years.
“It is worth mentioning that murder trend for the period of five years has declined to minus 25.9%.
Two-hundred and fourty-three firearms and a substantial number of ammunitions were recovered while 180 suspects were arrested for illegal possession.
The province also recorded a 5.8% decrease in sexual assault, with rape reducing by 5.5% and sexual assault increasing by three cases. Attempted sexual assault was reported to have decreased by 15 cases.
“We are bolstering our FCS Unit with additional personnel. One-hundred and twenty-four police officers are currently on field development and will be serving in this unit and other critical environments. This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to hold perpetrators of violence against women and children accountable,” Hadebe remarked.
Mathye acknowledged the collaborative efforts and emphasised on the need for continued cooperation to address pressing issues.
The MEC commended SAPS members for their work which contributed to the overall decrease in crime rates. She pledged her ongoing support.
“To the provincial commissioner and the top management team, we commend your efforts. Nevertheless, more work remains. My office, through the head of department, remains committed to providing assistance as required,” Mathey stated.
