By Bernell Simons
The Free State has recorded a notable drop in murder and several serious violent crimes, offering a measure of relief — but a troubling rise in sexual offences and domestic violence is casting a shadow over the gains.
Newly released third-quarter crime statistics for the 2025/26 financial year show a 7.2% decrease in murder cases, with 287 cases reported compared to the same period last year.
According to figures released on Friday by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, several key violent crime categories in the province showed encouraging declines between 1 October and 31 December 2025.
Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) dropped by 4.8%, falling from 3,456 to 3,290 cases. Aggravated robbery declined by 10.3%, with notable improvements in specific subcategories. Carjackings fell by 12%, while business robberies decreased by 9%.
Stock theft, a persistent concern in the largely rural province, also recorded a 5.1% decrease, with 1,204 cases reported compared to 1,269 during the same quarter last year.
However, not all crime indicators moved in a positive direction.
Sexual offences, including rape, increased by 2.4%, with 1,112 cases reported — up from 1,086. Domestic violence cases also rose by 3.1%, reaching 2,345 incidents during the quarter.
The rise in gender-based violence remains a serious concern for authorities, particularly as much of the interpersonal violence occurs between individuals who know one another or share households.
Despite the mixed picture, provincial police have intensified crime-fighting operations. A key intervention has been Operation Shanela, a high-density policing initiative targeting violent crime hotspots.
Through Operation Shanela, 12,250 suspects were arrested in the Free State during the reporting period. The operation includes roadblocks, stop-and-search activities, tracing of wanted suspects and compliance inspections aimed at disrupting criminal networks and increasing police visibility.
While the latest statistics reflect measurable progress in certain serious crimes, authorities have cautioned that sustained and coordinated efforts are required to address persistent challenges — particularly sexual offences and domestic violence.
Provincial leadership maintains that crime reduction remains a priority, with ongoing collaboration between law enforcement, community structures and social services aimed at improving safety across both urban and rural communities.
