The third-quarter crime statistics covering the period of October to December 2025, released today, show that kidnappings and violent crime remain deeply entrenched across the Eastern Cape. These figures once again reinforce the urgent need for a permanent 24-hour Joint Operations Centre in Nelson Mandela Bay.
A total of 185 kidnappings were reported in just three months, confirming that organised crime and violent syndicates continue to operate with alarming reach across the province.
Although this represents a decline from 205 cases recorded during the same period last year, the scale of the problem remains severe and demands coordinated law enforcement intervention.
The impact is most visible in the province’s major metros. Nelson Mandela Bay recorded 69 kidnappings, an increase from the previous reporting period. Buffalo City Metro recorded 24 cases, down from 47 previously.
These figures confirm that urban centres remain key hotspots for organised criminal activity and highlight why the Democratic Alliance continues to call for the establishment of a permanent Joint Operations Centre in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Such a centre would enable coordinated intelligence sharing between SAPS, the Hawks, Metro Police, and the National Prosecuting Authority, ensuring faster response times, targeted operations in crime hotspots, and improved prosecution outcomes.
Despite slight improvements in some crime categories, the statistics show residents of the Eastern Cape remain the most likely in South Africa to be murdered or raped, demonstrating that the province continues to face a sustained crisis of violent crime.
A total of 1,270 murders were recorded in the province during the quarter under review, representing a 2.3% decrease. Eight Eastern Cape police stations rank among the top 30 nationwide for murder, namely New Brighton, Mthatha, Kwazakhele, KwaNobuhle, Walmer, Bhityi, Ngcobo, and Ngqeleni.
Reported rape cases declined by 1.8%, with 1,871 rapes recorded during the period. Deeply concerning, was the report that eight rapes were reported on school premises, one at a daycare or crèche, and one at a tertiary institution.
These incidents highlight the continued vulnerability of women and children, even in spaces meant to provide safety and protection.
Interpersonal violence increased across the province. Assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm rose by 3.5%, while common assault increased by 3.7%, indicating growing levels of violence in communities.
The situation in key metros remains particularly concerning. Buffalo City Metro recorded a 20.7% increase in murders, with 134 people killed in three months, while Nelson Mandela Bay recorded 346 murders over the same period.
Rural communities continue to face serious threats, with stock theft reaching 1,846 cases in three months, placing agricultural livelihoods and food security at risk across the province.
The Democratic Alliance believes these statistics demonstrate that policing in the Eastern Cape remains fragmented and reactive.
The people of the Eastern Cape deserve communities where safety is guaranteed, criminals are held accountable, and government delivers real protection rather than empty promises.