Thohoyandou: The South African Police Service in Limpopo, led by Vhembe District Commissioner Major General Eddie Van Der Walt and Provincial Head of Crime Registrar Brigadier S.K Manthata, has unveiled the Provincial Crime Statistics for the 4th Quarter of the 2024/25 financial year at a seminar held at the University of Venda. The event, which took place on 03 September 2025, drew participation from law academics, students, community representatives, and various stakeholders.
According to South African Police Service, the presentation highlighted a significant 12.8% decrease in overall contact crime across the province, which includes offenses such as murder, assault, robbery, and rape. The reporting period, covering January to March 2025, showed a 26% reduction in murder cases, dropping from 242 to 179. There was also a notable decrease in attempted murder by 11%, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm by 16%, aggravated robbery by 20.2%, and common robbery by 8.2%. Carjacking incidents sharply decreased to just 42 cases.
The statistics also shed light on gender-based violence and sexual offenses. Rape cases decreased by 3.7% from 1,079 to 1,039, with significant reductions observed in the Vhembe and Mopani districts. However, the province still ranks 6th nationally for rape, with a rate of 17.2 per 100,000 people. Domestic violence remains a concern, with 20 murders reported, 15 of which were reported by women. Additionally, 81 rapes and 9 sexual assaults were reported by women.
The presentation also addressed the issue of mob justice killings, which accounted for 27 out of the 179 murders, particularly in areas like Thohoyandou, Seshego, Lebowakgomo, and Westenburg. The Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit successfully arrested 589 suspects, resulting in 8 life sentences and a cumulative 253 years in sentences for sexual offenders.
In terms of law enforcement achievements, authorities seized 350 firearms, 80 suspected stolen or hijacked vehicles, drugs worth R15 million, and counterfeit goods and illicit cigarettes valued at R6.6 million during the quarter.
Following the presentation, Professor Mudau commended the SAPS Crime Registrar for their detailed crime report but expressed concerns about the treatment of gender-based violence victims at community service centers. Major General Van Der Walt assured attendees that victims are prioritized and that confidentiality is maintained according to the Victim Charter, which mandates isolation of victims from the public during statement-taking.
During the seminar, various speakers and public participants raised questions and comments focused on crime in the Thohoyandou policing area, recruitment policies, and service delivery. Major General Van Der Walt emphasized the need for additional constables and satellite police stations to address the challenges faced in policing over 460 villages in the Thohoyandou area.
He further highlighted the importance of partnership policing, stating that collaboration with community structures, traditional leaders, and faith-based organizations continues to provide valuable support and information in combating crime.