LIMPOPO – Crime in Limpopo has shown a general decline, but the Thohoyandou policing area remains a hotspot for serious crimes like sexual offenses, murder, and business robberies.

While major crimes have decreased across the province, authorities are particularly concerned about the rise in trio-crimes in this area.

Vhembe police area commissioner Major General Eddie van der Walt highlighted efforts to tackle crime in Thohoyandou, including the arrest of 385 shebeen owners and 627 tavern owners for violations such as selling liquor to minors and failing to close on time.

Offending taverns have been reported to the Liquor Board, which will assess whether their licences should be suspended. Van der Walt said that working closely with community structures is essential for reducing crime in the region. He also announced that plans are in the final stages to build a new police station in Khubvi, a village currently under the jurisdiction of the overburdened Thohoyandou Police Station, which serves more than 460 villages.

The latest Limpopo crime statistics were released by provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, joined by MEC for Transport and Community Safety Violet Mathye, district commissioners, senior police officials, CPF representatives, community leaders, and the media.

The statistics, covering the second and third quarters of the 2024/25 year, were presented at the Landbank Building in Polokwane on March 3.

Hadebe pointed to a decrease in overall crime by 3.1%, with property crime down by 0.5% and serious crimes reduced by 6.8%. The province saw a notable drop in rape cases – 7.3% in the second quarter and 2.7% in the third – while sexual assault incidents increased by 7.3% in the second quarter but declined by 0.8% in the third. In the fight against gender-based violence, courts handed down a total of 1 170 years of imprisonment and 47 life sentences to offenders.

The statistics also showed a mixed trend in violent crime. Murder rose by 2.5% in the second quarter but saw a dramatic 29.5% decline in the third. Attempted murder decreased by 13.2% in the second quarter, with a slight 0.1% reduction in the third. More than 3 400 drug-related arrests were made over the two quarters.

While these numbers indicate progress, Hadebe voiced concerns over certain police stations, including Thohoyandou, where crime has continued to rise. The increase in business robberies, murder, and sexual offenses in these areas remains a challenge.

Non-residential robberies declined by 4.7% in the second quarter and 7.6% in the third, while common robbery decreased by 6.0% and 4.8%, respectively. House and commercial robberies are still a major concern, leading authorities to call for greater community involvement in crime prevention.

Mathye praised the police for their ongoing efforts to maintain safety in the province. She acknowledged the improvements in the taxi industry, crediting discussions and mediation as key to reducing conflicts. She, however, raised concerns about the emergence of extortion by taxi patrollers, who have been forcing motorists to pay fees for loading passengers.

Hadebe stressed that continued collaboration between the police and communities is vital in sustaining the fight against crime. Authorities are urging residents to report any criminal activities as they work to make Limpopo a safer province.