WESTERN CAPE – The Western Cape recorded encouraging reductions in a number of serious and violent crime categories during the first quarter of the 2026/2027 financial year.
The figures were released and unpacked today by Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Sizakhele Dyantyi, marking his first crime statistics release since taking the helm of the Western Cape SAPS.
Among the notable reductions recorded are:
- Contact crime decreased by 6.3%
- Murder decreased by 6.7%
- Carjacking decreased by 14.6%
- House robbery decreased by 15%
The results from Operation Prosper, which targets high-crime stations across the province, are particularly encouraging. Contact crime at Operation Prosper stations decreased by 12.1%, while murder declined by 16.8%.
Lt Gen Dyantyi welcomed the positive movement in the crime figures, while emphasising that crime statistics are more than just numbers. They provide an important guide against which SAPS performance is measured and assist police management in identifying trends, assessing interventions and adapting policing strategies where necessary.
He attributed the reductions to the hard work, dedication and commitment of SAPS members on the ground, while also acknowledging the contribution of his predecessor, Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile, who was at the helm of the Western Cape SAPS during the period under review.
However, the Provincial Commissioner cautioned that the fight against crime is far from over.
Rape and sexual assault remain a serious concern, with increases of 3.8% and 5.7% respectively. Lt Gen Dyantyi reiterated that gender-based violence remains a top priority and that SAPS will continue to strengthen its response to crimes committed against women and children.
The fight against illegal firearms will also remain firmly on the policing agenda. SAPS will continue to pursue those who possess and use firearms unlawfully, applying the full might of the law to remove illegal firearms from circulation and disrupt the activities of armed criminals.
Lt Gen Dyantyi stressed that the ultimate objective of analysing crime trends, strengthening policing operations and holding members accountable for service delivery is clear: to reduce crime and create safer communities for the people of the Western Cape.
SAPS Western Cape remains committed to the fight against crime and to working with communities and law-enforcement partners to make the province safer.
