LIMPOPO RECORDS 20% MURDER REDUCTION AS SAPS TIGHTENS GRIP ON CRIME
POLOKWANE: Limpopo has recorded a 20% reduction in murder cases during the second quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year, Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe announced during a joint briefing with MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms Violet Mathye.
Releasing the statistics for 1 April to 30 September 2025, the Provincial Commissioner highlighted that Limpopo’s 3.2 per 100,000 murder rate is among the lowest in the country-driven largely by Operation Shanela (Kukula) and strengthened community-police partnerships.
Key Crime Reductions
Murder: 20%
Robbery with aggravating circumstances: 14.5%
Trio crimes: 21.9%
Carjacking: 34 fewer cases
Robbery at non-residential premises: 21.9%
Assault GBH: 7.1%
Attempted murder: 5.2%
Operational Successes
57,701 arrests for serious and priority crimes
419 firearms recovered
205 stolen/hijacked vehicles recovered
1,666 illegal mining operations dismantled
2,159 unlicensed shebeens closed
Sexual Offences: A Growing Concern
Despite overall progress, sexual offences increased by 7.1% in Quarter 2, a trend described by the Provincial Commissioner as deeply worrying.
“As SAPS, we will intensify high-visibility patrols, targeted hotspot operations (including weekends and evenings), and joint operations with POP, VISPOL, municipal partners, and other role-players,” said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
“The enforcement of Liquor compliance and clamping down of drug dens will continue since is the main driving force in escalating GBV related incidents. Together, we will turn concern into action, and action into safety. We will
protect women, children, and men from gender-based violence (GBV), and we will create a safer, more just Limpopo for all,” added Lieutenant General Hadebe
Significant breakthroughs include in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide:
20 offenders convicted
14 life sentences handed down to 7 accused
Additional sentences ranging from 2 to 25 years
MEC Violet Mathye, who joined the Provincial Commissioner in delivering the briefing, commended SAPS for notable crime reductions while stressing the urgency of tackling sexual violence.
“We shall not rest until we achieve zero murders, zero GBV incidents, zero carjackings, zero assaults and the eradication of all forms of crime. Our communities deserve peace, and we are resolute in delivering it,” she said.
She further applauded SAPS for “tirelessly waging a strong war against crime” and reaffirmed the department’s full support, especially ahead of the festive season safety operations.
