Common assault, largely linked to gender-based violence (GBV), has emerged as the most reported crime across residential complexes and estates in Midrand between January and March 2026.

This was revealed by Midrand police Sector 3 manager Sergeant Ngwako Matlhatlha during a complex forum meeting held on April 18 at Midrand Police Station, where police presented crime statistics and engaged estate representatives on improving co-operation.

“Most of these complexes, the most affected offence between January and March 2026 was common assault, and mostly because of gender-based violence.” Matlhatlha noted that domestic-related incidents continue to dominate reported cases within estates.

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The meeting, the forum’s second since its launch on March 18, focused on strengthening partnerships between police, trustees, complex managers, and homeowners’ associations (HOAs), while also reviewing crime trends and delaying the election of additional committee members to the next sitting.

Although attendance was lower than expected due to the City of Johannesburg’s Region A integrated development plan consultations held on the same day, discussions continued around crime prevention and response challenges in gated communities.

Police data presented at the meeting showed a range of offences recorded across complexes, including common assault, theft, burglary at residential premises, malicious damage to property, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, attempted rape, child abuse, drug-related offences, rape, and theft from and of motor vehicles.

Hilton Heights Complex accounted for 7.7% of reported cases, with incidents largely involving common assault and attempted rape, while Villa Montego also recorded multiple cases of assault.

Several other estates, including Bel Aire, Birchfield, Carswald Luxury Apartments, Kikuyu Estate, Kyalami Hills Estate, Morganwood, Protea Estate, Silkwood, Sumatra Estate, Terrace View, The Woods Apartments, Villa D’ Alegria, Waterfall Crescent, and The Precinct Indawo, each contributed smaller portions of reported incidents.

A key concern raised by police was restricted access to some complexes, which officials stated continues to delay response times during emergencies. “Sometimes it becomes difficult for police to enter because certain complexes do not allow access. These are the kinds of issues we need to address together.”

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Midrand police Lieutenant Colonel Masie Mothobeki, who also addressed the forum, emphasised that co-operation between residents, security teams, and police is critical in improving response times and protecting victims.

“Complexes are quick to comply when they are the ones who requested us, but in situations where someone is reporting an incident, like domestic violence inside the estate, and the security officer is not aware, it becomes difficult at the gate to access the address.”

He said delays at access points often have serious consequences in urgent cases, particularly where GBV is involved.

“You will find that, maybe the complainant does not have time to inform the security at the gate, and it becomes difficult for officers on duty to access the address. At the end of the day, we delay at the gate and end up with a situation that could have been prevented.”

Police have urged residents, estate trustees, and security personnel to work more closely with law enforcement, particularly in improving reporting channels and raising awareness around GBV within residential communities.

Community members are encouraged to attend the next complex forum meeting.

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