Premier Winde and Minister Marais Welcome Consecutive Reductions in Murders in Western Cape, but Warn Violence Remains Serious Concern

Premier Alan Winde and Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, have welcomed the decrease in murders recorded in the Western Cape during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year.

The latest quarterly South African Police Service (SAPS) crime statistics show that murders in the province decreased by 6.7%, down from 1 148 cases in April to June 2025 to 1 071 cases in the same period this current financial year. 

Nationally, murders declined by 5.9%.

Murders in the combined six Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) deployment areas decreased by 17% in the first quarter of 2026/27. 

Murders reduced in every LEAP area, with the highest number of reductions in Gugulethu (a 33% reduction) and Delft (a 24% reduction). 

Attempted murder in the Western cape also decreased slightly by 1.5% in the first quarter, from 1 056 to 1 040 cases, while overall contact crime declined by 6.3%.

While these reductions are encouraging, the level of violence in the Western Cape remains unacceptably high. 

“Consecutive reductions in murders show that is possible when we invest in crime-fighting and prevention, and drive targeted, evidence-based safety interventions. “While the decrease in the murder rate is encouraging, we must be clear that far too many of our residents are still losing their lives at the hands of gangsters. There is much more work still to be done,” said Premier Winde.

He added, “The evidence is clear: cooperative, locally managed, and intelligence-led policing works. We have seen the impact of these interventions in communities across our province, and these proven programmes must be expanded to every policing precinct without delay. We will continue to fight for the Western Cape to receive its fair share of policing resources, because our residents deserve nothing less than a properly resourced and effective response to crime.”

Minister Marais said, "Community involvement remains one of the most important levers in our collective efforts to prevent and reduce violent crime. The confiscation of firearms, ammunition and drugs by law enforcement agencies is often made possible because residents are willing to report suspicious activity, provide information and point officers towards criminal activity taking place in their communities. The Western Cape Government will continue investing in stronger community safety structures, supporting law enforcement efforts, and creating platforms that enable better collaboration between all safety stakeholders.”