The latest South African Police Service (SAPS) quarterly crime statistics for April to June 2026 show Gauteng recorded the highest number of murders and carjackings in the country, even as national counts for these crimes fell slightly compared with the same quarter last year.
What the numbers say
Nationally, the recorded number of murders declined by 5.9%, from 5,770 in the same quarter last year to 5,427 between April and June 2026. Despite the decline, Gauteng accounted for almost a quarter of those killings, with 1,276 murders reported in the three‑month period.
Behind Gauteng in absolute counts were KwaZulu‑Natal with 1,179, the Western Cape with 1,071 and the Eastern Cape with 1,047. Provinces with the fewest murders were the Northern Cape (52), Free State (156) and Limpopo (161).
| Province | Murders (Apr–Jun 2026) | Rape cases (Apr–Jun 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 1,276 | 1,666 |
| KwaZulu‑Natal | 1,179 | 1,820 |
| Western Cape | 1,071 | 1,106 |
| Eastern Cape | 1,047 | 1,476 |
Rates versus raw counts
When population size is taken into account the distribution changes. The Eastern Cape had the highest murder rate, at 15.8 murders per 100,000 people, followed by the Western Cape (13.9), KwaZulu‑Natal (9.8) and Gauteng (7.4). Limpopo recorded the lowest murder rate at 2.6 per 100,000.
The distinction between absolute numbers and population‑adjusted rates is important for policy and resource allocation: large provinces with dense populations will often show higher totals, while smaller provinces can display worse outcomes per capita.
Rape and other violent crimes
SAPS recorded 9,201 rape cases nationally during the quarter, a small decline of 32 cases compared with the same period last year. KwaZulu‑Natal reported the most rape cases (1,820), followed by Gauteng (1,666), the Eastern Cape (1,476) and the Western Cape (1,106). Limpopo reported 911 cases.
KwaZulu‑Natal accounted for almost one in every five reported rape cases nationally over the quarter. Provinces with the fewest reported rape cases were the Northern Cape (284), Free State (592) and North West (645).
What this means for Gauteng residents
For people living in Johannesburg and the wider Gauteng metro areas the figures underline persistent risks: the province leads the country in raw numbers for murder and carjacking even as some national crime categories edge down. Local policing districts and community safety forums will be watching the SAPS breakdowns for shifts in hotspots and for how resources are being targeted.
- Gauteng recorded 1,276 murders in Apr–Jun 2026 (highest by count).
- The Eastern Cape had the highest murder rate per 100,000 people (15.8).
- KwaZulu‑Natal reported the most rape cases (1,820); national rape cases totalled 9,201.
The SAPS quarterly release is used by provincial safety clusters, metros and civil society to assess whether visible policing, detective capacity and victim support services are keeping pace with crime trends. Gauteng’s high counts will put pressure on local commanders to demonstrate targeted interventions, while victims’ organisations will push for improved support and reporting mechanisms.
Community policing forums, non‑profit organisations and local boosters of neighbourhood watches typically point to hotspot policing, improved investigative follow‑up and social crime‑prevention measures — youth programmes, employment opportunities and better lighting — as pieces of a broader response. The quarterly statistics provide short‑term snapshots; sustained change requires multi‑year efforts across policing, social development and city planning.
SAPS’ full report contains more detailed breakdowns by crime category and station area. Residents seeking to follow trends in their precincts are advised to consult the quarterly tables released by SAPS and to raise questions at ward‑level safety meetings to see how provincial and metro resources are being deployed in response to these figures.
These figures cover reported crimes; under‑reporting remains an issue for certain offences and communities. SAPS, provincial safety departments and victim support groups continue to encourage reporting and access to services for survivors.
