PHALABORWA – The Namakgale Police Station recorded 13 rape cases, up from five, an increase of eight cases, according to the latest crime statistics for the first quarter of 2026, compared to the same period last year, which were released by the SAPS recently.

Murder cases rose from two to six, while sexual offences nearly doubled from eight to 14. Arson cases rose from one to two, and malicious property damage increased sharply from 29 to 44 cases.

Burglary and robbery figures ease

There were some improvements, however: common robbery dropped from 13 to 10 cases, residential burglary fell from 59 to 40 cases, and theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles held steady at one case.

A mixed bag at Lulekani station

Lulekani Police Station reported far fewer violent crimes.

No murders were recorded, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm dropped from 27 to 25 cases, non-residential burglary fell from seven to five, and rape remained unchanged at 10 cases.

Some categories did rise: one carjacking was reported this year compared to none last year, and one sexual assault case was reported compared to none previously. Robberies at residential premises rose from five to seven, robberies at non-residential premises increased from one to four, and kidnapping cases rose from two to six.

No murders recorded in Phalaborwa

Phalaborwa Police Station recorded no murders in either 2025 or 2026.

Rape cases rose from one to two, and one kidnapping was reported this year compared to none last year.

Shoplifting increased 50%, from 6 to 12 cases, and common robbery rose from one to three.

On the positive side, common assault dropped from nine to eight, commercial crimes fell from 46 to 34, and non-residential burglary declined from 19 to 12.

A quieter picture at Gravelotte

Gravelotte Police Station reported no murders, sexual offences or rapes during the period, though robberies at non-residential premises increased.

Namakgale ranks 16th provincially among the top 30 police stations for reported serious crimes.

Provincial commissioner urges collaboration

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, said progress is possible, but the police’s work is far from finished.

He said that under his leadership, police would intensify the fight against violent crime, gender-based violence and femicide, drugs, illegal firearms, stock theft, organised crime, and crimes threatening residents’ livelihoods.

“The police cannot win the fight against crime alone,” Scheepers said.

“We need communities to report illegal firearms, drugs, illegal liquor outlets, GBVF and criminal activities. We need our traditional leaders, farmers, businesses, religious organisations, community structures and other stakeholders to work with us.”