Police in Eastern Cape report reduction in contact crime
A large number of firearms and ammunition was also recovered.
The Eastern Cape police have announced a decrease in contact crimes for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, dropping from over 15,000 in the same period last year to around 14,000 for the quarter ending in June this year. Provincial Commissioner Vuyisile Ncata revealed these statistics at Dimbaza, outside Qonce.
Ncata credits the reduction to the dedication of officers on the ground, but expresses concern over the high number of crimes committed using firearms. He notes that 369 murder cases and 321 attempted murder cases were attributed to firearms. He believes that more can be done to combat this issue, as firearms are a popular weapon of choice for criminals. Ncata also mentioned that his team has recovered a significant number of firearms, including ammunition and stolen rifles and shotguns.
However, community safety Minister Xolile Nqata is worried about the rise in sexual offenses. He attributes this issue to the influence of alcohol, which often leads to crimes occurring between individuals who know each other in private settings, such as households. Nqata is calling for community cooperation, as successful prosecutions could serve as a deterrent to potential offenders.
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