SAPS recently released its quarterly crime statistics for this financial year, detailing crimes reported from April – June and from July – September.

The statistics indicate that both Pretoria Central and Sunnyside police stations recorded significant decreases in contact crimes (crimes against people) in both quarters.

Pretoria Central

Pretoria Central Police Station recorded a 13% decrease in contact crimes this quarter. A large contributor to this was a 37.5% decrease in robbery with aggravating circumstances, with 88 cases reported last quarter, down 55 cases reported in this quarter.

Common robbery decreased by 26.7%, from 75 cases to 55 cases reported.

Murder decreased from three counts reported last quarter to none in this one. Attempted murder decreased by four counts (nine down to five) and sexual offences decreased by two counts (21 down to 19).

Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, however, increased by 13% with 78 cases reported this quarter, compared to 69 in the previous quarter.

Common assault increased by 7.9% – from 89 to 96 counts.

No contact sexual offences were reported this quarter, compared to the two reported last quarter.

One attempted sexual offence was reported this quarter, compared to none reported in the previous three.

Rape cases reported decreased by a single count (15 down to 14), and four sexual assault cases were reported, in both this and the previous quarters.

Four carjackings were reported in this and the previous quarter, as well as one robbery at residential premises.

Robbery at non-residential premises decreased by a single count (from nine to eight), and no robberies of cash-in-transit or bank robberies have been reported in the previous five quarters.

One truck hijacking was reported in this and the previous quarter.

A single count of arson was reported this quarter, compared to none last quarter, and malicious damage to property cases decreased by 30 counts (56–26 cases).

Property-related crimes decreased by 26.6%, with burglary at non-residential decreasing by 26 counts (58–32) and theft out of or from motor vehicle cases decreasing by 33.2% (187–125).

Burglary at residential premises and theft of motor vehicle and motorcycle cases increased by 6 counts (12–18) and 1 count (48–49) respectively.

All thefts not mentioned elsewhere decreased by 13.3% (271 down to 235), and shoplifting cases decreased by 13.5% (111 to 96).

Commercial crime increased by 11.8% (152–170), while other serious crime decreased by 6.2% (534–501), and community-reported serious crime decreased by 15.1% (1249–1 060), and kidnapping decreased by 13 counts (from 23–10).

Crimes detected as a result of police action increased by 24.7%, with a spike in crimes detected coming from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (67 up to 115).

Drug-related crimes detected increased by 9.3% (151 cases up to 165), and no sexual offences were detected as a result of police action in this quarter, compared to one in the previous quarter.

Possession of firearms and ammunition cases detected decreased by four counts (12 to eight).

Sunnyside

Sunnyside Police Station experienced a decrease of 14.0% in its contact crimes reported, with robbery with aggravating circumstances also contributing to the success, much like Pretoria Central.

Robbery with aggravating circumstances decreased by 41.6% (166–97) and common assault by 14.9% (161–137).

Assault with GBH increased by 12 counts (33 to 45), while attempted murder increased by three counts (three to six).

Three murder cases and 15 sexual offences were reported in this quarter and the previous quarter.

No contact sexual offences or attempted sexual offences have been reported in the previous two quarters. Rape cases reported decreased by two counts.

Sexual assault cases increased by two counts, with only one case being reported in the previous quarter.

No cash in transit heists, bank robberies or truck hijackings have been reported to the station in the previous five quarters.

Carjacking cases decreased by 20 counts (30–10), and robbery at non-residential premises decreased by 12 counts (15 to three).

Three robberies at residential premises were reported this quarter, compared to one previously.

One arson case was reported this quarter, compared to none in the previous four. Malicious damage to property cases decreased by eight counts (57–49), and kidnapping cases decreased by 12 counts (32–11).

Property-related crimes decreased by 17.5%, as burglary at residential premises decreased by 18 counts (42–24). Theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles, as well as theft out of or from motor vehicles, decreased by 19.2% (73–59) and 16.7% (239–199), respectively.

No stock thefts have been recorded in the previous five quarters, and burglary at non-residential premises increased by five counts (29 to 34).

All thefts not mentioned elsewhere decreased by 3.9% (282 to 271), while commercial crime and shoplifting increased by 9.4% (149–163) and 78.6% (28–50).

Other serious crimes increased by 5.4% (459 to 484), and kidnapping decreased by 21 counts (32 down to 11).

Sunnyside police crime detection from officers increased by 48.3%, as cases of driving under the influence detected increased by 77.1% (188–333).

Drug-related crimes detected increased by 15.8% (152–176), and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition increased by decreased by three counts (nine cases detected down to six).

Three sexual offences were reported this quarter, compared to five in the previous quarter (two counts lower).

“Let us continue to forge forward as partners in policing and support the visible and invisible hard work of the Sunnyside Police Station.

“Congratulations to Sunnyside Police station commander Brigadier Kgoadi and her police station leadership collective,” said Sandile Dube, Chairperson of the Sunnyside CPF and Chairperson of the Tshwane Central Sub-District Community Police Board.

Ward Councillor Mpho Lewele said, “Fellow residents of Ward 81, in the inner city central zone – Sunnyside, Arcadia and the CBD. It is an honour for me to thank you for being good and patriotic citizens who championed service delivery for the year 2025.

“We are now at the festive season, where I would like to urge you to be vigilant and safe at all times, for those who will be travelling to different places to be with their loved ones. Please travel safely and be cautious on the road.

“For those who will remain behind in our lovely city, do so in a responsible manner a

nd be safe. I wish you all a safe and wonderful festive season. Let’s gear up for 2026 and beyond,” said Lewele.

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