Police Stats Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Newspapers
Rape, attempted murder and domestic violence have surged in the Western Cape, with 937 domestic-related cases recorded between October and December 2025.
The figures were presented on Tuesday during a provincial crime statistics briefing held in Green Point, where police and provincial leaders unpacked trends for the third-quarter reporting period.
While murder declined slightly during the quarter, police statistics show increases in attempted murder, rape, sexual assault and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Attempted murders spiked notably in November, and sexual offences rose by 2.9%, with rape cases concentrated in some of the province’s most vulnerable communities.
Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile said alcohol and drugs remain significant drivers of violence.
"Analysis shows that hundreds of assaults were linked to alcohol and drug abuse, with many incidents taking place at liquor establishments," he said. Police analysis indicates that 964 assault cases were linked to alcohol, while dozens more were directly associated with drug use.
In total, 937 domestic-related counts were recorded across various categories, including attempted murder, rape, sexual assault and assault GBH, an increase compared to the previous financial year.
The crisis of sexual offences is especially common in precincts such as Delft, Nyanga, Khayelitsha and Mfuleni, which remain among the top contributing stations for rape and attempted murder.
Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais said the increase demands urgent intervention.
"The ongoing crisis of sexual offences, concentrated in areas such as Delft, Nyanga and Khayelitsha, demands sustained, multisectoral intervention including better protection for children and women in schools, homes and universities," she said.
Western Cape Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais said the increase demands urgent intervention.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
The National Prosecuting Authority echoed concerns around firearm-linked crimes intersecting with gender-based violence. Advocate Nicolette Bell said illegal firearms remain a key prosecutorial focus.
"Conviction rates in illegal firearm matters are a key focus for us. Firearms are a driver in serious violent crime," Bell said. "We are working closely with investigators to ensure that where there is a conviction involving a firearm, the highest appropriate penalty is pursued."
On the ground, community structures say statistics do not reflect the fear residents live with daily. Fransina Lukas, representing the Community Policing Forums, welcomed the slight reduction in murders but warned that communities remain anxious.
"We welcome the reduction in murders," she said. "But we are quite concerned about the increase in attempted murders and sexual offences. The overall reduction in crime stats is a testament to the work done by community volunteers and law enforcement. In reality, our communities don’t feel safe. The statistics show that more needs to be done."
Cape Times