Mbombela — Recent crime data for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year reveals alarming disparities across Mpumalanga’s three districts, particularly in murder and sexual offenses.  


From October to December 2025, a total of 285 murders were recorded. The Ehlanzeni district reported 125 killings, the highest, followed by Nkangala with 96 and Gert Sibande recorded 64. These figures were officially released by the MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, and SAPS Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, in Mbombela on Tuesday, 20 March 2026.


The statistics indicate that Ehlanzeni is disproportionately affected by violent personal crimes, whereas Nkangala faces a greater challenge with vehicle-related offenses. Sexual offenses remain a serious concern, with Ehlanzeni registering 363 rape cases, Gert Sibande 277, and Nkangala 162, bringing to a total of 802 reported rapes in the quarter.


Carjacking shows a different pattern as Nkangala leads with 114 incidents, more than Ehlanzeni’s 76 and far above Gert Sibande 19, suggesting hotspots around Emalahleni and surrounding routes.  


Mpumalanga’s total community-reported serious crimes fell 9,9 percent year-on-year, dropping from 23 602 cases in the third quarter of 2024/25 to 21 268 in the same period of 2025/26.


  • Murder declined 18,6% (350 to 285)


  • Rape increased 2,3% (784 to 802)


  • Carjackings fell 20,5% (263 to 209)


MEC Macie highlighted that criminal activities, such as homicide, attempted murder, assault, and sexual offenses, are often linked with societal issues like substance abuse and domestic strife. He further emphasised his department's commitment to combating gender-based violence and crimes targeting women and children, supported by the Provincial Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Council and the swift 90-Day Accelerated Plan on GBV.


Furthermore, Macie identified organised crime, often fueled by cross-border activities and illicit mining operations, as a significant challenge. To address this, he stated that efforts are underway to enhance collaboration among law enforcement bodies and the use of technology and intelligence-led policing strategies.