The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo, under the leadership of Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has announced significant progress in crime reduction across the province, following the release of the 4th Quarter Crime Statistics for the 2024/2025 financial year during a media briefing at Landbank building, Polokwane on Wednesday, 28 May 2025.
The Provincial Commissioner was joined by the MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms Violet Mathye, District Commissioners, Crime Registrar, Brigadier Manthata, Provincial Heads and Community Police Forum Board Chairperson, Mr Frans Kgasago.
According to the latest figures, Limpopo has recorded a 26% year-on-year decrease in murder cases, positioning the province as the safest in terms of reported murders. The current murder rate stands at 3.0 % capita per 100,000 population.
Key highlights from the 4th Quarter Statistics
Murder and Contact Crimes
▶️Murder: Decreased by 26% compared to the same period in 2023/2024.
27 out of 179 murders were linked to mob justice, predominantly in Seshego, Thohoyandou, Lebowakgomo, and Westernberg.
▶️Attempted murder: Dropped by 11%
▶️Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm: Down by 16%
▶️Common robbery: Declined by 8.2%
▶️Aggravated robbery: Reduced by 20.2%
▶️Carjackings: Fell by 42 reported cases.
Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF)
▶️589 arrests made by Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Units
▶️8 individuals sentenced to life imprisonment
▶️29 offenders received a combined total of 252 years imprisonment for various sexual offences.
Operational Successes (January – March 2025)
▶️120 suspects arrested for murder
▶️1,713 arrests for assault GBH
▶️1,678 suspects apprehended for drug-related crimes
▶️5,092 undocumented individuals detained
▶️147 arrests related to illegal mining activities
▶️Rape cases: Declined by 3.7%
▶️224 suspects arrested for rape.
Meanwhile, robbery at residential increased by 12.1%.
Confiscations and Recoveries
▶️350 illegal firearms seized
▶️80 stolen/hijacked vehicles recovered
▶️549 knives and 27 pangas confiscated
Notable Recoveries:
▶️Dagga valued over R15 million recovered in Waterberg District.
▶️Counterfeit goods and illicit cigarettes exceeding R6.6 million seized in Vhembe District.
Strategic factors behind success
Lieutenant General Hadebe attributed these achievements to:
▶️Strategic deployment of newly appointed Constables to key police station.
▶️Enhanced intelligence-led operations.
▶️Strengthened collaboration with traditional leaders, Community Policing Forums (CPFs), and faith-based organisations.
▶️Implementation of a 90-day communication programme focusing on prevention of crimes against women and children.
▶️Operation Shanela (Operation Kukula)
High-impact, multidisciplinary deployments including roadblocks, stop-and-search activities, and visible policing operations.
▶️Operation Vala Umgodi
targeting illegal mining operations, leading to key arrests and the dismantling of illicit mining activities.
“These statistics are more than just numbers – they are a reflection of lives saved, communities protected, and justice delivered. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure safety, peace, and stability in every corner of Limpopo,” said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
“The partnership between SAPS and communities is yielding tangible results, as Limpopo continues in this path, the prospects for a brighter and safer future look promising. This province is poised to become a model for effective crime prevention and community safety initiatives,” said MEC Violet Mathye.
