POLOKWANE – Sister townships Seshego and Mankweng have established themselves as some of Limpopo’s leading violence hotspots.

During a media briefing last Wednesday during which the latest police crime statistics were announced, a troubling pattern emerged, showing that the first three months of 2026 turned streets, homes and local businesses into dangerous crime scenes.

Rising violence in Seshego

Seshego Police Station recorded 15 murders in the three-month period, a 25% increase from the 12 cases reported during the same period last year.

The violence appears to be driven largely by social conflict, with the station recording murders linked to mob justice, vigilantism and arguments that escalated into deadly confrontations.

The statistics also indicate that Seshego remains a high-risk environment for both business owners and homeowners.

The station ranked among the province’s worst-affected areas for business robberies as armed attacks on shops and other non-residential properties increased by 46.7%, rising from 15 to 22 cases. House break-ins also increased sharply, climbing from 11 to 16 cases during this quarter.

Mankweng’s GBV challenge

While Seshego battles community violence, Mankweng is facing a growing gender-based violence (GBV) crisis.

Mankweng Police Station recorded 52 rape cases during the three-month period, making it the second-highest station for rape in Limpopo and the sixth highest in the country.

The figure represents a 13% increase compared to the same period last year. Seshego followed closely behind in the provincial rankings with 50 reported rape cases.

According to the statistics, most of these attacks occurred inside residential properties or in poorly lit public spaces.

Mixed picture on property crime

Despite the rise in sexual violence, Mankweng achieved notable success in reducing property-related crimes.

Aggravated business robberies were nearly halved, dropping to nine cases, while residential robberies declined significantly to 10 cases.

The station still, however, ranked as the province’s second-deadliest policing area, recording nine premeditated murders.

Alcohol and weapons fuel violence

Provincially, knives and illegal firearms were the leading murder weapons, each accounting for 29 deaths in this quarter.

According to the report, arguments remain the leading cause of serious assaults, particularly at taverns, pubs and shebeens, where alcohol-fuelled disputes frequently escalate into violent and life-threatening attacks.