The Plessislaer policing precinct has recorded a sharp rise in rape cases, according to the July to September 2025 second-quarter crime statistics, released on Friday. The area now ranks second in KwaZulu-Natal and third nationally, with 59 cases reported during the three months, up from 51 cases recorded during the same quarter in 2024. Inanda again tops the provincial list and is ranked second nationally, registering 67 cases for the period under review.
Umlazi follows closely at third in KZN and fourth nationally, with 55 cases. The latest figures show that sexual offences remain a persistent challenge for communities across the province, with police urging residents to report cases promptly and make use of victim-support services. The province’s murder statistics also paint an alarming picture.
Inanda, Umlazi, and KwaDukuza recorded the highest murder counts in KZN for the quarter, ranking 12th, 17th, and 19th nationally. KwaMashu and Plessislaer followed in fourth and fifth place provincially, and 22nd and 24th nationally. According to the police stats report, a significant number of killings in the province occurred in open and public spaces.
Read Full Article on The Witness
[paywall]
At least 588 murders were committed in areas such as streets, public fields, recreational spots, and parking lots. A further 427 murders took place at private residences, either the victims’ or perpetrators’ homes, highlighting the ongoing trend of domestic and interpersonal violence. Alcohol-related environments also featured in the statistics, with 42 murders recorded at liquor outlets, including shebeens, taverns, and nightclubs.
[/paywall]
