UPDATED: Komani sees decline in reported crime during first quarter of 2026

KOMANI – The latest crime statistics for the Komani Police Station precinct indicate an overall decline in reported crime during the first quarter of 2026, with several serious offences showing notable decreases compared to the previous quarter.

According to Crime Statistics South Africa, 607 crimes across all categories were reported between January and March 2026, down from 696 cases recorded during October to December 2025.

Among the most significant decreases were murder, which dropped from 18 cases to six, and sexual offences, which declined from 42 to 16 cases. Attempted murder fell from 12 to three, while assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm (GBH) decreased from 124 to 38 cases. Common assault also dropped from 133 to 55 reported incidents.

Property-related crimes also showed a downward trend. Residential burglaries declined from 141 to 35 cases, while burglary at non-residential premises fell from 79 to 17 cases. Common robbery dropped from 42 to 15, robbery with aggravating circumstances decreased from 39 to 10, and stock theft fell from 53 to 18 cases. Theft out of or from motor vehicles also decreased from 92 to 34 reported incidents.

While many crime categories recorded decreases, police recorded 89 commercial crime cases, 74 drug-related crimes, and 57 cases of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the reporting period.

Responding to questions from Komani News, SAPS spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela attributed the overall decline in reported crime to the dedication of police members and the use of specialised units, including the Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Police (POP), Flying Squad, and the K9 Unit during crime prevention operations.

She said night patrols, District Task Team raids in hotspot areas and random roadblocks have also contributed to the positive results.

Despite the overall decline, Mgolodela said sexual offences remain a concern, particularly around taverns, with Mlungisi identified as one of the hotspot areas. She also warned that the theft of copper cables and water pipes is an emerging crime trend in the policing precinct.

She urged residents to reduce substance abuse, take greater care of elderly people and children, who remain among the most vulnerable members of the community, and to report incidents of drug trafficking to the police.

“The police are hell bent to fight crime tooth and nail. It is the mission of SAPS to create a safe and secure environment for all,” said Mgolodela.

The statistics, published by Crime Statistics South Africa, reflect crimes reported to the South African Police Service within the Komani policing precinct during the first quarter of 2026.