Ikageng is one of the hotspots for crime related to rape, contact-related crimes, residential burglaries and malicious damage to property in the North West province.

This is according to North West SAPS statistics for the third quarter of 2025 (October to December), which were released last week (Wednesday, March 11) in Mahikeng.

According to the statistics, Ikageng recorded the highest number of residential burglaries in the province, placing it 12th nationally. Ikageng also has the highest number of reported rape cases at 37, tied with Jouberton.

Ikageng further recorded the highest number of contact-related crimes in the province with 126 reported cases. The station is also ranked 21st nationally in this category. Compared to 2024, this number has decreased by 10 cases indicating a slight improvement.

Potchefstroom ranks second in the province for general theft, commercial crimes (such as fraud and tax evasion), and shoplifting. Rustenburg holds the top position in this category with 575 reported cases, compared to 381 in Potchefstroom, which reflects an increase of 1.9% over the past year.

The MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, as well as the Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, were present to discuss the findings in the province.

Notable aspects of the report include a 4.1% decrease in total community-reported crimes, amounting to 1 110 fewer cases. This marks the lowest level recorded since 2022.

Contact crimes decreased by 7%, contact-related crimes by 6%, and property-related crimes by 1.7%.

Murder cases saw a significant decline of 251 cases, the lowest since 2021, while sexual offences also decreased.

“A notable decrease was also recorded in sexual offences. During the period, there were 48 fewer reported rape cases and 251 fewer murder cases, the lowest since 2021,” added Morweng.

He also noted that challenges remain regarding domestic violence, with 2 179 cases reported across the province. Other ongoing concerns include the proliferation of illegal firearms, drug and alcohol abuse, and illegal immigration in the North West.

The reported cases were distributed across the districts as follows:

• Bojanala Platinum: 44.1% (11 415 cases).
• Dr Kenneth Kaunda: +-24% (6 196 cases).
• Ngaka Modiri Molema: +-21% (5 450 cases).
• Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati: +-11% (2 828 cases).

Top 10 SAPS stations for crime incidents:

1. Rustenburg
2. Brits
3. Klerksdorp
4. Ikageng
5. Potchefstroom
6. Mahikeng
7. Mmabatho
8. Mogwase
9. Boitekong
10. Jouberton.