-Staff Writer / Wed, 11 March 2026
Domestic violence remains one of the biggest threats to families in the North West, with 2 179 cases reported between October and December 2025, including incidents that ended in murder.
This was revealed when the South African Police Service (SAPS) released the province’s third-quarter crime statistics covering the festive season period.
According to provincial police commissioner Ryno Naidoo , the festive season is traditionally associated with higher crime levels, often fuelled by alcohol abuse, financial pressure and increased social gatherings.
Naidoo said despite these pressures, the province recorded an overall drop of 4.1% in community-reported crimes, equal to 1 110 fewer cases compared to the same period last year. He said this is the lowest level recorded since 2022.
Police also reported decreases in several categories, including contact crimes (down 7%), contact-related crimes (down 6%), and property-related crimes (down 1.7%).
However, domestic violence remained a serious concern.
Police said thousands of families were affected by assaults, abuse and even murders linked to domestic disputes during the period.
“Provincially, Bojanala Platinum District recorded the highest number of crimes with 11 415 cases (44.1%), followed by Dr Kenneth Kaunda District with 6 196 cases, Ngaka Modiri Molema with 5 450, while Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati recorded the lowest figures with 2 828 cases, “Naidoo said.
The top police stations contributing to crime statistics include Rustenburg, Brits, Klerksdorp, Ikageng, Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, Mmabatho, Mogwase, Boitekong and Jouberton.
Naidoo add that some crimes increased despite the overall drop, including attempted murder, attempted sexual offences, carjacking, cash-in-transit robberies and truck hijackings.
He has also warned about illegal firearms, alcohol and drug abuse, saying these factors continue to fuel violent crimes and domestic disputes.
SAPS said operations such as Operation Safer Festive Season and Operation Shanela helped reduce crime and led to more arrests, including drunk driving and drug-related offences.
Police urged communities to report domestic violence and work with law enforcement to keep families safe.
News Junction (Gold Standard)