Crime in Mpumalanga declined during the third quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year, according to statistics released by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The statistics cover the period from October to December 2025 and show a 9.9% decrease in the 17 community-reported serious crimes, dropping from 23 602 cases in the same period in 2024 to 21 268 cases this year.

Presenting the figures, Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie said the statistics reflect the reality faced by communities and the work of institutions responsible for public safety.

“Today, we present the third quarter crime statistics for Mpumalanga. We understand that these statistics represent the lived reality of our communities, the safety of our households, and the effectiveness of the institutions entrusted with protecting our people,” said Macie.

Overall contact crimes — crimes against the person — decreased by 13%, from 10 640 to 9 252 cases during the reporting period.

The province also recorded a significant decline in murder cases, which dropped from 350 to 285, representing an 18.6% decrease.

Other crimes that showed notable declines include:

• Robbery with aggravating circumstances: down 20.4%
• Common robbery: down 22%
• Carjacking: down 20.5%
• Robbery at residential premises: down 19.2%
• Robbery at non-residential premises: down 26.4%

However, some crimes increased. Sexual offences rose by 3%, with rape cases increasing slightly from 784 to 802.

Macie noted that contact crimes such as murder, assault and sexual offences are often linked to social factors including alcohol abuse and domestic conflict.

“Contact crimes, including murder, attempted murder, assault, and sexual offences, are concerns often linked to social conditions like alcohol abuse and domestic conflict,” he said.

According to the statistics, public places and private residences remain the most common locations for violent crimes, while firearms are the most frequently used weapon in murder cases.

District figures show that Ehlanzeni recorded the highest share of community-reported serious crimes, contributing 34.8% of the provincial total, followed by Nkangala (37.5%) and Gert Sibande (27.6%).

Several police stations in the province also feature prominently in crime statistics. Bushbuckridge police station recorded 491 community-reported serious crimes, a slight increase of four cases compared to the previous year.

Macie emphasised that fighting crime requires collaboration between law enforcement and communities.

“These statistics reaffirm that crime prevention is a collective responsibility, requiring participation from communities, local government, civil society, and the private sector,” he said.

He added that the provincial government will continue strengthening partnerships with Community Policing Forums, improving coordination within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, and supporting efforts to modernise policing.

“Our objective is to build a province where every citizen feels safe. Crime statistics must inform and move us to action,” said Macie.