Overall crime in Mpumalanga declined and stabilised.

This is according to the provincial crime statistics released by Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Jackie Macie, in conjunction with Mpumalanga police commissioner Lieutenant General Nkankoane Apaphia Modise, during a press briefing on Tuesday, September 8.

The briefing, held at the Mpumalanga police headquarters in Mbombela’s Ferreira Street, was attended by police district commissioners, senior provincial police management, police unions, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), chaplain formations and members of the media.

Notable drop in severe contact crimes

Macie announced a significant decrease in cases of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, robbery with aggravating circumstances, contact crimes, sexual assault, carjacking, residential and non-residential robbery, bank robbery and truck hijacking.

However, Macie also announced a slight increase in several serious crimes, including murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual offences, attempted sexual offences, common assault, common robbery and cash-in-transit heists.

He said areas such as Calcutta, Bushbuckridge, eMalahleni and Mbombela remained key focal points for localised policing, property crimes and localised robberies.

The current statistics were compared with the same period during the 2025/26 financial year.

Murder statistics across Ehlanzeni stations

Several police stations in the Ehlanzeni District featured among the top 30 stations for murder in the province, with mixed trends across precincts.

Pienaar decreased from 10 to eight murders during the first quarter, compared with the same period in the 2025/26 financial year.

Acornhoek decreased from four to three murders, while Kabokweni dropped from 12 to six.

Meanwhile, Barberton increased from nine to 13 murders, Hazyview from three to seven, and Matsulu from zero to three, while Masoyi remained unchanged at seven.

Calcutta increased from 14 to 21 murders, while Bushbuckridge rose from seven to 13.

Rape statistics reflect mixed district trends

Rape cases across stations in the provincial top 30 also showed varying results.

Acornhoek increased from 22 cases to 36, while Kabokweni rose from 27 to 33.

Calcutta saw rape cases drop from 26 to 23, while Masoyi increased from 15 to 23 and Mhala rose from 16 to 18.

KaNyamazane increased from 11 to 17, while Hazyview rose from eight to 13 cases.

Bushbuckridge’s rape cases dropped from 33 to 13, while Barberton decreased from 20 to 15.

Police committed to protecting citizens

“We are on the ground doing our work. We also want to know that the criminals who attack police will be dealt with. We cannot run away from criminals as our duty is to protect the citizens of our province,” said Macie.