The Eastern Cape recorded a decline in several serious crime categories during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, including murder, violent crime, sexual assaults and residential robberies.
The provincial crime statistics were released in Dimbaza on Wednesday by Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha and Eastern Cape SAPS Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Vuyisile Ncata.
While the province recorded improvements, Nelson Mandela Bay remained a concern, particularly KwaDwesi and Motherwell, where murder and attempted murder cases remain high.
Ncata announced the deployment of 135 new police vehicles across the province, including 78 Crime Detection vehicles and 57 Support vehicles, to improve police visibility and response capacity.
He said SAPS would continue targeting crime through Operation Shanela, roadblocks and intelligence-driven operations.
Nqatha identified Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City Metro and OR Tambo District as areas requiring sustained attention.
“We cannot have hotspots forever,” Nqatha said, calling for stronger cooperation between police, government departments, traditional leaders, businesses and communities.
The MEC also commended police for arrests linked to the murders of Zolani Tete and Nelson Mandela Bay councillor Mleve, as well as the recovery of stolen livestock and property worth millions of rand.
The event also included a roadblock along the R63 between Qonce and Dimbaza and visits to Dimbaza factories to address concerns including vandalism and robberies.
With the Local Government Elections scheduled for 4 November 2026, Nqatha urged police and communities to work together to maintain peace and stability.
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