Burglaries Remain South Africa’s Most Common Household Crime Despite Recent Declines, Official Data Show

Housebreaking and burglary continue to affect more South African households than any other household crime, according to the latest Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey (GPSJS) released by Statistics South Africa on 1 September 2026. The survey covers the 2025/26 period and records an estimated 1.549 million incidences of housebreaking, affecting 1.078 million households. This equates to 5.3% of all households in the country.

The number of affected households declined from 1.123 million in 2024/25 (5.7% of households). Over a five-year window, 2.345 million households experienced housebreaking or burglary at least once, down from 2.605 million in the preceding five-year period ending 2024/25. The percentage of households affected over five years fell from 13.2% to 11.5%.

Reporting rates remain low. Only 48.2% of households that experienced housebreaking in 2025/26 reported some or all of the incidents to the police. This is an increase from 43.4% in 2024/25 but still means more than half of incidents went unreported. Among those who did not report, the most common reason cited was the belief that the police would not do anything about it.

Housebreaking incidences showed seasonal patterns. The highest monthly total in 2025/26 occurred in June, with approximately 163 000 incidences. Other elevated months included April (129 000), May (124 000) and September (124 000).

Home robbery, a distinct category involving the presence of occupants and the use or threat of force, affected 179 000 households in 2025/26, or 0.9% of households. This was down from 213 000 households (1.1%) in 2024/25. Over five years, 421 000 households experienced home robbery.

South African Police Service (SAPS) recorded crime figures, which capture only reported cases, show parallel downward trends in property-related offences. In the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year (April to June 2026), residential burglaries totalled 29 722 cases nationally, a 7.3% decline from 32 047 cases in the same quarter of 2025. Property-related crime overall fell 4.6%, from 74 048 to 70 677 counts. This category includes residential burglary, non-residential burglary, theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles, theft out of or from motor vehicles, and stock theft.

In the Western Cape, residential burglaries decreased by 12.2% in the same April–June 2026 period, while non-residential burglaries fell 6.1%. Property-related crime in the province declined 4.6% overall. Nationally, the fourth quarter of 2025/26 (January to March 2026) also recorded an 8.7% year-on-year drop in property-related crime, with residential burglaries decreasing by 3 075 cases (−8.7%).

One analysis of SAPS data for the full 2025/26 financial year (April 2025 to March 2026) placed the national total of residential burglary cases at 128 490, an 8.2% decrease from the prior financial year. Provincial breakdowns from that period showed Gauteng recording 25 961 cases (−11.7%), KwaZulu-Natal 22 799 (−8.7%), Western Cape 20 297 (−11.2%), Eastern Cape 15 884 (−2.3%), North West 10 190 (−1.8%), Limpopo 9 888 (−11.2%), Free State 9 629 (−0.9%), Mpumalanga 8 685 (−14.9%), and Northern Cape 5 157 (+2.9%).

District-level research covering the second half of 2025 identified uMzinyathi in KwaZulu-Natal as having the highest rate of residential burglaries, at 2 586 per 100 000 households. Frances Baard followed at 1 238 per 100 000, Central Karoo at 1 201, Overberg at 1 123, and Sarah Baartman at 1 016. Other high-rate districts included Garden Route (923), ZF Mgcawu (895), West Coast (804), Buffalo City (794) and Xhariep (764). These rates were calculated using Statistics South Africa population figures to normalise for household numbers.

SAPS data distinguish residential burglary (typically occurring when premises are unoccupied) from robbery at residential premises. The latter category also declined in recent quarters. In April–June 2026, robbery at residential premises fell from 5 360 to 4 416 cases nationally. In the Western Cape the same period saw a 15% drop in residential robberies.

Non-residential burglaries formed a substantial share of property crime. In April–June 2026, analysis of 10 564 such cases identified 2 174 involving educational premises, 640 religious premises and 436 liquor premises.

Overall community-reported serious crime recorded by SAPS declined 2% in April–June 2026, to 339 395 counts from 346 182 in the corresponding period of 2025. Property-related crime contributed to this reduction. Contact crime (including murder, assault and robbery) fell 2.3% over the same three months.

Thug mauled by two dogs after attempting to burglarise a house pic.twitter.com/IGegiag4iT
— PrimeTime News (@PrimeTimeNewsZA) September 18, 2026

The GPSJS is a household survey that estimates victimisation independently of police reporting. SAPS figures reflect only cases reported to or detected by police. Both sources show housebreaking and residential burglary remaining the most frequently experienced and recorded form of household property crime, even as absolute numbers and rates have decreased in the most recent reporting periods.

South African Woman Sentenced to 25 Years in Nigeria for Importing 5.75kg of Heroin

A 38-year-old South African national, Will Jessica Ann, has been sentenced to an effective 25 years in prison by a Federal High Court in Abuja after pleading guilty to charges linked to the importation of 5.75 kilograms of heroin.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the judgment on Thursday, 17 September 2026. Ann was convicted on two counts: conspiracy and unlawful importation of the drug. The court imposed 15 years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy count and 25 years on the importation count. The sentences are to run concurrently, meaning she will serve a maximum of 25 years.

Ann was arrested on 6 July 2026 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja during inward clearance of passengers arriving on Qatar Airways flight QR1433 from Doha. She had travelled from Cambodia via Doha and was accompanied by her three-year-old son.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) discovered 14 large blocks of heroin weighing a total of 5.75 kilograms concealed in two checked suitcases. Ann initially denied having any checked-in luggage. Officers linked the bags to her through matching baggage tags attached to her passport, after which she admitted ownership and stated that she had forgotten she had checked in the bags.

The NDLEA stated that intelligence indicated Ann was linked to a transnational drug-trafficking network operating along the Cambodian-South African axis with her partner, Jan Coenraad De Jager, a fellow South African based in Cambodia. De Jager was later arrested in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 27 July 2026 while allegedly attempting to traffic 3.2 kilograms of illicit drugs destined for Hong Kong.

Ann was arraigned in August 2026 in case number FHC/ABJ/CR/422/2026. She pleaded guilty to both counts under the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act. The conspiracy charge falls under Section 14, which carries a sentence of between 15 and 25 years. The unlawful importation charge falls under Section 11(a), which attracts a possible life sentence.

During mitigation, Ann expressed remorse, stated that she did not know the bags contained drugs, and asked the court for leniency, citing her status as a first-time offender and mother of a young child. Her lawyer also appealed for clemency on those grounds.

The prosecution highlighted the street value of the seized heroin, estimated at approximately N18 million per kilogramme, placing the total value of the 5.75 kilograms at more than N100 million. Justice Egwuatu noted that the defendant was a first-time offender and decided against the maximum possible sentence. He stated that crime does not pay and that the law is not influenced by emotions.

The court ordered that the seized heroin be destroyed if Ann does not appeal within the period prescribed by law.

The conviction forms part of ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to disrupt transnational drug trafficking networks using the country’s airports.

Family identifies 28-year-old Gracious Nkomo as murder victim found along R21 in Kempton Park

The family of 28-year-old Gracious Nkomo has positively identified her as one of the women whose body was discovered along the R21 in Kempton Park. The identification took place on 17 September 2026 at the Germiston Mortuary.

Nkomo’s body was found on 10 September 2026. She was the third woman whose body was recovered in the Kempton Park area that day. Police reported that she was found partially clothed. Her identification forms part of a broader investigation into the deaths of nine women whose bodies have been discovered across the Ekurhuleni region since July 2026.

According to the South African Police Service, Nkomo is among the victims whose cases are under active investigation. She joins three other women who have been formally identified: Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, Itumeleng Kekana and Dineo Evelyn Motapane. Five of the nine women remain unidentified at this stage.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the identification and stated that the SAPS continues to investigate Nkomo’s murder along with the other cases involving women found in the area. Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, said a multidisciplinary team of investigators is working to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and to identify those responsible.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Gracious Nkomo during this extremely difficult time. Our investigators remain seized with these cases, and we will continue to pursue every available lead to ensure that those responsible for these murders are brought to justice,” Lieutenant General Dimpane said.

Nkomo’s identification occurred on the same day that a ninth body was discovered in the Dawn Park area of Ekurhuleni. Gauteng acting provincial commissioner Major General Fred Kekana stated that the latest remains were found dumped in that location and that preliminary investigations into the death are underway.

The series of discoveries began on 15 July 2026, when the body of a 37-year-old woman was found in an open field near the R21 in Kempton Park. She was found naked and restrained with cable ties. A suspect was arrested two days later in connection with that case and remains in custody. Subsequent bodies were recovered in the following weeks in locations including areas near the R21, Pomona, Rhodesfield, KwaThema and Olifantsfontein.

Several of the women were found partially clothed. Police have established a dedicated multidisciplinary task team that includes detectives from specialised units. Kempton Park remains under intensified policing operations. Authorities have offered a R400 000 reward for information that could assist in solving the murders and leading to arrests.

Missing-person notices for Nkomo had circulated prior to the identification. Reports indicate she had been based in Pretoria and worked at a lodge in Kempton Park. Police have not released further details on the specific circumstances of her death while investigations continue.

The SAPS has urged members of the public with any information that could assist the investigation to come forward. Investigations into all nine cases remain ongoing.

WATCH: Robert Wolk, prominent South African racing driver, shot dead in Kempton Park road rage incident

A 41-year-old man was shot and killed on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, following a minor vehicle collision in Esther Park, Kempton Park. Police have identified the victim as Robert Wolk, a well-known figure in South African motorsport.

The incident occurred at the corner of Gamwood Street and Portland Drive. According to accounts circulating from the scene and confirmed in police statements, Wolk was involved in a low-speed or bumper-bash collision with another vehicle. He exited his car, reported as an Audi, to photograph the damage. An argument then developed between the motorists. A firearm was produced during the confrontation. Wolk was shot in the back as he attempted to leave the scene and collapsed a short distance away. He was declared dead at the scene by responding paramedics.

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that a 41-year-old man was fatally shot. Officers from Sebenza police station attended the scene and found the victim with gunshot wounds. An Audi vehicle linked to the victim was present. A murder case has been opened. No arrests had been made at the time of initial reports, and the motive remains under investigation.

Separate reporting indicated a blue Volkswagen Jetta was allegedly involved in the initial collision. Video footage of the aftermath circulated widely on social media platforms shortly after the incident.

Robert Wolk was a highly respected competitor in South African circuit racing with a career spanning nearly three decades. His achievements included South African Junior GP Karting Championship titles in 1995 and 1997, multiple Formula Ford championships, the 2013 SA Formula Volkswagen Championship, the 2015 SA Formula 1600 Championship, the 2021 and 2022 SA GTC Championships, and the 2024 SA Touring Cars Championship. He received South African Junior Protea Colours in 1998 and Senior Protea Colours in 2022.

In 2026, Wolk won his second Simola Hillclimb King of the Hill title in May and recorded a victory on his return to South African Touring Cars at Aldo Scribante in June. He remained an active national-level competitor and was scheduled to race at Killarney that weekend.

Motorsport South Africa issued a statement expressing deep sadness at his death, describing him as a hugely respected figure known for his passion, commitment and sportsmanship. The organisation noted that his passing leaves a profound void in South African motorsport and extended thoughts to his family, friends, team members and colleagues.

The shooting took place against a backdrop of heightened concern over violent crime in the broader Kempton Park and Ekurhuleni area, which has been the focus of investigations into multiple unrelated murders of women discovered since July 2026. Police have treated this incident as a separate murder investigation.

If the link below doesn’t work manually copy and paste this link into your browser o join our WhatsApp channel and watch our clips!

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBj2WiL2AU0zIKqFq45

As of the latest available reports, investigators continue to examine the circumstances, including any available video evidence and witness accounts. No further details on the second vehicle, the suspect, or forensic findings have been released by authorities.

Two Bodies Reported Discovered Inside House in Kwa-Thema

Reports circulating on 17 September 2026 indicate that two bodies have been discovered inside a house on Mokgitli Street in the Phumulo section of Kwa-Thema, Springs, in the City of Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.

According to multiple accounts shared during the afternoon of 17 September, the location is an active crime scene. Police officers and forensic investigators are present and processing the site. The circumstances surrounding the discovery of the bodies have not been established or publicly detailed at this stage.

Kwa-Thema is a township located south-west of Springs within the Ekurhuleni metropolitan municipality. Phumulo (also referred to as Phomolo in some local references) forms one of its sections. Mokgitli Street (appearing in historical local records with the spelling Mokhitli) is a residential street in that section.

No official statement from the South African Police Service confirming the discovery, the identities of the deceased, the cause of death, or any further details had been issued in available public channels at the time of these reports. Mainstream news outlets had similarly not published verified accounts of the incident by late afternoon on 17 September 2026.

The reports emerge against the backdrop of ongoing police investigations into the deaths of multiple women whose bodies have been found across Ekurhuleni since July 2026. Those cases, which police have placed under a broader multidisciplinary probe, involve discoveries in areas including Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Clayville, Kwa-Thema and Dawn Park. One body was found on the side of a road in Kwa-Thema on 15 September 2026 and later identified. Police have not confirmed any connection between the earlier cases and the reports from Mokgitli Street.

Two Bodies Discovered Inside House in Kwa-Thema. Details in comments pic.twitter.com/CXWIx2Tegi
— PrimeTime News (@PrimeTimeNewsZA) September 17, 2026

Further information is expected as investigations proceed and official confirmation becomes available. Residents and members of the public with relevant information are typically directed by police to contact Crime Stop or local stations through established channels.