Crime Falls Nationally, But Western Cape Still South Africa’s Deadliest Province

While South Africa records a national decline in overall crime, the Western Cape remains the nation’s deadliest hotspot. Latest crime statistics show that murder and violent crime in the province continue to surge above national averages, driven by persistent gang activity, targeted assassinations, and community-based violence.
Despite intensified policing operations and government interventions, the Western Cape’s homicide rate still overshadows improvements seen elsewhere in the country — raising urgent questions about safety, policing strategies, and the future of crime prevention in the province.