A significant drop in murder and several robbery-related crimes has provided some positive news in the latest Free State crime statistics, but a dramatic increase in attempted murder remains a major concern for police.

The province recorded 156 murders between April and June 2026, down from 186 during the same period last year.

That represents a 16.1% decrease in murders. Murder cases also dropped by 10.3% compared with the previous quarter, from January to March 2026.

Several robbery-related crimes also declined during the first quarter of the 2026/2027 financial year.

Robbery with aggravating circumstances decreased by 9.3%, while carjacking, robbery at residential premises and robbery at non-residential premises also recorded decreases.

Trio crimes showed an even more significant decline, dropping by 23.3%, from 399 to 306 cases.

Attempted murder soars

The positive figures are, however, overshadowed by a sharp increase in attempted murder.

The province recorded 678 attempted murder cases, compared with 393 during the same period last year.

This represents a staggering 72.5% increase.

Police management says the increase will receive focused attention, with resources and operational interventions being directed towards serious violent crime.

Overall crime picture remains mixed

Free State recorded 8,817 contact crimes during the quarter, an increase of 3.6% compared with the same period last year.

Community-reported serious crimes also increased by 3.9%, reaching 20,622 cases.

There was some positive movement in property-related crime, which declined by 1.1%, from 4,853 to 4,802 cases.

At the same time, police activity intensified.

Crimes detected as a result of police action increased by 13%, from 3,560 to 4,023 cases.

Drug-related crimes detected through police action increased by 15.6%, while sexual offences detected through police action rose by 23.4%.

The detection of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition also increased by 10.3%.

Thabo Mofutsanyana District recorded the highest number of crimes detected through police action, with 1,782 cases, accounting for 44.3% of the provincial total.

Mangaung followed with 1,345 cases.

Mangaung records highest contact crime figure

Crime trends varied considerably across the province.

Mangaung recorded the highest number of contact crimes, with 3,064 cases, representing 34.8% of the provincial total.

Thabo Mofutsanyana recorded an 8.8% decrease in contact crime, while Xhariep recorded a 17.1% increase.

The previous quarter, from January to March 2026, had also shown encouraging trends, with contact crime declining by 3.5%, property-related crime by 7% and the 17 community-reported serious crimes by 4.2%.

Progress, but no room for complacency

Free State Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia welcomed the decline in murder and robbery-related crimes but warned that police cannot afford to become complacent.

“We welcome the decrease in murder and the reductions we are seeing in several robbery-related crimes. These results show that the work being done by our members is making a difference. However, there is still a lot of work to do, especially when it comes to attempted murder,” Lesia said.

He said police would continue focusing resources on areas where they are most needed, while ensuring greater visibility in communities, swift responses to incidents and thorough investigations.

Lesia also highlighted the increase in crimes detected through police action as evidence that police are actively targeting criminals.

“Our operations, investigations, and intelligence-driven policing must continue to disrupt criminal activity, particularly where drugs, illegal firearms, and serious violent crimes are involved,” he said.

SAPS Free State said it would continue working with communities, other law-enforcement agencies and stakeholders to tackle crime in areas where it remains a concern.

The focus will remain on preventing crime, improving police response, strengthening investigations and ensuring that alleged criminals are brought before the courts.

While the decline in murder and robbery offers some encouragement, the sharp rise in attempted murder highlights the continued challenge facing law enforcement across the province.