Limpopo crime stats show alarming rise in sexual offences, GBV


Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe says the rate of sexual offences and gender-based violence in the province has increased. 

Hadebe says that although there is a significant reduction in major crimes such as murder and attempted murder cases, sexual offences remain high.  

Hadebe was speaking during the release of the provincial crime statistics for the first and second quarters of the 2025/2026 financial year in Polokwane. 

“Domestic violence remains one of the most challenging crimes for police to address. I must say, unlike crimes that happen in public view, domestic violence occurs behind closed doors, hidden from sight and often from official records. This hidden nature creates significant barriers to intervention. It is important that members of the community learn to open up. We must speak loudly about the issue of domestic violence.” 

Limpopo crime registrar, Brigadier Sonnyboy Manthatha, says the province has recorded significant reductions in crimes such as residential robberies, mob justice, cash-in-transit heists and robbery with aggravating circumstances. 

“In terms of assault GBH, we see about 269 cases less, or about 9.6%, where common assault and common robbery also show a decline. In terms of robbery with aggravating circumstances, we see about 260 cases less, or which translates to about 14%.”