On 28 November, Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia, Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola released the national crime statistics for July to September 2025, giving South Africans a clearer view of crime trends during the second quarter of the financial year.
The latest figures point to both encouraging declines and persistent challenges across the country. Community-reported crimes dropped by 18,594 cases compared to the same period last year, signalling progress in the fight against certain categories of crime. Contact crimes-including murder, assault and sexual offences-decreased by 4,999 cases, while property-related crimes such as burglaries, theft of motor vehicles and stock theft declined by 8,455 cases.
Despite these national improvements, Lenasia Police Station remains one of the country’s crime hotspots, featuring among the top 30 stations with elevated levels of serious crime. The precinct recorded notable spikes in key categories during the reporting period:
- Arson: 4 cases
- Kidnapping: 50 cases
- Robbery at residential premises: 28 cases
- Robbery with aggravating circumstances: 182 cases
- Trio crimes (carjacking, house robbery, business robbery): 97 cases
These figures underline the intensity of violent and organised crime affecting the area and the increasing sophistication of criminal groups operating in and around southern Johannesburg.
Neighbouring Ennerdale, also forms part of Gauteng’s broader crime landscape where contact and property-related crimes continue to challenge policing efforts, although the province has seen some reductions in high-impact categories.
Minister Cachalia emphasised that stations such as Lenasia, identified as high-pressure and high-risk, will receive dedicated support as SAPS strengthens intelligence-led operations, increases visibility, and deploys specialised units to curb violent and organised crime.
While national year-on-year improvements are encouraging, the Ministry stressed that hotspot areas remain a priority as authorities work to stabilise crime patterns and build safer communities.
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