KwaDukuza recorded a 7.23% decrease in serious crimes in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year – yet it remains one of the most crime-affected areas in the country, with the 7th highest number of reported crimes in KwaZulu-Natal and the 24th highest in South Africa.

According to the latest Saps statistics (January to March), crime in KwaDukuza dropped from 1 631 cases in 2024 to 1 513 in 2025.

Reductions were seen in murder (down from 36 to 33) and attempted murder (from 36 to 30), along with a 12% drop in assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.

However, sexual offences increased by 12%, rising from 50 to 56 cases. Rape cases edged up to 43, and sexual assault cases nearly doubled, from 6 to 10.

Robberies at residential properties also rose, contributing to a 10.2% increase in trio crimes.

Theft out of or from motor vehicles surged by 46% – from 28 to 41 cases – while malicious damage to property declined by 13.5%.

Drug-related crimes decreased by 11.9%, while illegal possession of firearms dropped sharply by 42.9%.

Umhlali

In nearby Umhlali precinct, the situation worsened, with a 6.09% increase in crime compared to the same period in 2024.

Total serious crime rose from 673 to 714 cases. Notably, assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm spiked by 33.3%, and robbery at residential premises rose from 11 to 16 incidents.

Property crimes in Umhlali showed mixed results: burglary at residential premises dropped, but theft from vehicles increased. Commercial crime rose by 22.8%, and overall theft increased by 42%.

Officers at the station report that fraud has become a common offence, with new cases being reported almost daily.

One of the latest scams involves a man posing as an employee of the KwaDukuza Municipality or Eskom.

He reportedly threatens residents with electricity disconnection if they fail to pay their accounts.

Victims are told their services will not be cut off if they pay him directly.

A number of people have reportedly been scammed in this manner, with losses ranging from R1 000 to R4 000.

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