The latest third-quarter crime statistics for Mpumalanga, covering October to December 2025, show that the City of Coal is facing some of the highest levels of violent and organised crime in the province.

The figures were released by Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie, together with Acting Provincial SAPS Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi on March 10.

“Today, we present the third-quarter crime statistics for Mpumalanga. We understand that these statistics represent the lived reality of our communities, the safety of our households, and the effectiveness of the institutions entrusted with protecting our people,” said Macie.

At the centre of the crisis is Witbank Police Station, which recorded 1 265 community-reported serious crime cases, the highest in the province. Vosman Police Station followed with 1 055 cases, although the station recorded a decline of 126 cases compared to the previous quarter.

Contact crime is dominating the region

Contact crimes – also known as crimes against the person – include murder, rape, assault, carjacking, robbery at residential and non-residential premises, truck hijacking, and kidnapping.

In the latest statistics, Vosman Police Station ranked first in Mpumalanga for overall contact crime, while Witbank Police Station ranked second.

Murder remains alarmingly high

The murder statistics further highlight the severity of the situation. Witbank recorded the highest number of murder cases in the province, making it the leading policing area for the most serious violent crime. Vosman ranked ninth, while Kriel Police Station was placed 15th.

Carjacking crisis spreading across the coal belt

Carjacking has emerged as one of the most alarming crime trends in the City of Coal, affecting motorists across multiple policing areas. According to the statistics, Vosman ranked first in Mpumalanga for carjacking, with Witbank ranking second.

The problem stretches beyond these two stations.
Other nearby policing areas also appear on the provincial list: Phola Police Station ranked ninth, Ogies Police Station tenth, and Kriel Police Station 21st.

Homes and businesses are increasingly targeted

Robberies targeting homes and businesses are also widespread across the region. In robbery at residential premises, Vosman ranked fifth and Witbank sixth, while Phola ranked 18th and Ogies 30th.

Business robberies show a similar pattern. In robbery at non-residential premises, Witbank ranked second and Vosman sixth, while Phola ranked thirteenth and Ogies sixteenth.

Truck hijackings

The statistics also reveal how the region’s coal and freight routes are increasingly targeted by organised criminals. Witbank recorded the highest number of truck hijacking cases in Mpumalanga, while Vosman ranked fourth, Kriel seventh, and Ogies ninth.

Kidnapping cases are also high

In the kidnapping category, Witbank again topped the provincial list, while Vosman ranked fourth.

Political overview by MEC at the release of the crime statistics

Macie said the statistics are used to strengthen policing strategies and community safety: “As the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, we will intensify oversight, strengthen coordination within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, and support initiatives to modernise policing.”

He highlighted the link between crime and social conditions, “Contact crimes, including murder, attempted murder, assault, and sexual offences, are concerns often linked to social conditions like alcohol abuse and domestic conflict. We prioritise fighting gender-based violence and crimes against women and children through the Provincial GBVF Council and the 90-Day Accelerated Plan on GBV.”

Macie added, “Organised crime, linked to cross-border dynamics and illegal mining, is another concern. We are strengthening cooperation between law-enforcement agencies and supporting technology and intelligence-driven policing.”

He emphasised collective responsibility, “The statistics reaffirm that crime prevention is a collective responsibility, requiring participation from communities, local government, civil society, and the private sector. Community Policing Forums and Community Safety Forums connect policing institutions with communities.”

Police Recorded Crime Statistics for Mpumalanga Province for the Third Quarter of the 2025/2026 Financial Year (October 2025 to December 2025) Nkangala District Municipality #fightingcrime #MPCrimeStatistics pic.twitter.com/Rg2xfOAsj0

— GCIS_Mpumalanga (@GCISMpumalanga) March 10, 2026

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