Following the release of the first quarter crime statistics for 2026/27 on Friday last week, the Bothasig Community Policing Forum (CPF) says that despite the statistics showing an encouraging overall decline in serious crime in its local policing precinct, increases in robbery, carjacking and commercial crime remain a concern for the community.
The first quarter covers the period April to June and compares the same period between 2022 and 2026.
Mario Borchards, CPF chair, said compared between April and June this year and the same period in 2025, the statistics show that the 17 community-reported serious crime categories decreased by 37 cases, from 286 to 249 – a 12,9% reduction.
Improvements
One of the strongest improvements was recorded in property-related crime, which fell by almost 40%. Cases dropped from 68 to 41, with residential burglaries declining by 13 cases and theft from motor vehicles falling by 12 cases, he said.
The figures also show a significant reduction in several serious violent crimes. Attempted murder dropped from seven cases to one, while assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm declined from six cases to one. Sexual offences decreased from seven to three cases. No murders were recorded in either comparison periods, he said.
However, the overall improvement should not create a false sense of security, said Borchards.
Concerns
Robbery with aggravating circumstances increased from 12 to 19 cases, representing seven additional incidents. Common robbery also increased slightly, from nine to ten cases. Of particular concern is the increase in carjacking. Three carjackings were recorded during April to June this year, compared with none during the corresponding period in 2025. The statistics also recorded one truck hijacking this year.
The increase in robbery-related crime highlights the importance of continued visible policing, hotspot patrols, and cooperation between the police, the CPF, neighbourhood watches, private security, and residents, said Borchards.
Commercial crime is another concern requiring attention. Cases increased from 60 to 69, an increase of 15%. Residents and businesses are therefore urged to remain particularly vigilant against fraud, scams, and other financially motivated crimes.
There was also an increase in drug-related cases detected through police action, rising from 12 to 21. Such figures reflect police detections and can therefore be influenced by increased enforcement activity. Despite these challenges, the overall statistics point to a positive movement in several areas, said Borchards.
The 37-case reduction in serious community-reported crime, combined with substantial decreases in residential burglary, theft from motor vehicles, attempted murder and assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, provides encouraging evidence that continued crime-prevention efforts are having an impact, he added.
Vigilance remains key
For the Bothasig precinct community, however, the message remains one of vigilance, rather than complacency, said Borchards.
Residents are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings, report suspicious activity promptly, secure their homes and vehicles, and take additional precautions when travelling or arriving at their homes and businesses.
The latest statistics demonstrate that crime patterns can change quickly. While the overall trend for the first quarter is positive, the increase in robbery and hijacking-related offences means that continued community involvement and strong partnerships with the police remain essential. A safer Bothasig precinct depends not only on policing, but on an active and vigilant community working together, said Borchards.
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