Gauteng’s latest crime statistics for the fourth quarter of the 2025/2026 reporting year reveal a mixed picture of progress and concern in public safety across the province.
While several serious crime categories have declined, including murder, aggravated robbery and sexual offences, authorities have flagged a worrying rise in kidnappings during the same period.
Provincial Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni presented the figures covering January to March 2026 to the Gauteng Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety. The briefing was held at the Radisson Hotel in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg.
According to Mthombeni, overall crime levels in the province have decreased compared to the same period last year, reflecting improvements across most of the 17 community-reported serious crime categories.
He reported a total reduction of 5,066 cases, equivalent to a 5.2% year-on-year decline. However, he noted that not all categories followed this downward trend, with arson and commercial crime among the exceptions showing increases.
“Overall crime, 17 community reported serious crimes have seen a decrease by 5,066 counts which translate to 5.2% compared to the corresponding period last year,” Mthombeni said.
Despite these gains, Gauteng continues to account for a significant share of national crime figures, highlighting the province’s ongoing challenges.
“Comparatively speaking across the country, out of nine provinces, Gauteng accounts for 26% of the country’s 17 community reported crime,” he added.
Although the overall downward trend suggests progress in law enforcement efforts, officials say the increase in kidnappings underscores emerging security concerns that will require continued attention.