FREE STATE SAPS RELEASES CRIME STATISTICS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2025/2026 AND THE FIRST QUATER OF 2026/2027

SAPS Free State Provincial Office

By: Neo Ntsele

On 1 September 2026, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State Province unveiled the provincial crime statistics for the fourth quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year and the first quarter of the 2026/2027 financial year.

The statistics were revealed at the SAPS Free State Provincial Office in Bloemfontein by Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, alongside the Office of the MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, represented by Deputy Director-General Advocate Molutsi.

During the presentation, Brigadier Lambinon provided an overview of the crime situation in the province.

Advocate Molutsi emphasised the role of crime statistics as a tool for measuring progress and identifying areas needing more intervention.

He stated that the statistics are crucial for assessing where authorities are successful and where they need to enhance their efforts.

Speaking to the media and stakeholders, Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia expressed gratitude to those who attended the crime statistics release.

He acknowledged the province's progress in various areas, while also noting that some crimes still instil fear and insecurity in communities.

The Free State experienced a mixed crime landscape during the first quarter of the 2026/2027 financial year.

While there were notable reductions in several serious crimes, the significant rise in attempted murder remains a concern for provincial police.

From April to June 2026, the province recorded 8,817 contact crimes, marking a 3.6% increase compared to the same period the previous year.

However, property-related crimes saw a 1.1% decline, dropping from 4,853 to 4,802 cases.

A particularly positive development was the ongoing decrease in murder cases, with the province recording 156 murders, down from 186 in the same period last year.

The province also saw a significant 23.3% reduction in trio crimes, from 399 to 306 cases.

Lieutenant General Lesia underscored that tackling illicit drugs remains a priority for the Free State SAPS.

Through targeted and intelligence-driven operations, police continue to seize illicit drugs such as crystal methamphetamine, mandrax, khat, heroin, nyaope, and dagga.

The Provincial Commissioner also highlighted the successes achieved through the criminal justice system, with many offenders receiving long prison sentences.

This included 14 life sentences, eight convictions with sentences between 20 and 30 years, 28 convictions with sentences between 10 and 19 years, and 80 convictions with sentences between one and nine years.

Lieutenant General Lesia praised the investigating officers and prosecutors in the province for their excellent work in bringing perpetrators to justice.

He also expressed appreciation for all stakeholders within the criminal justice system who continue to collaborate with SAPS in combating crime.

In conclusion, Lieutenant General Lesia urged the people of the Free State to actively participate in the fight against crime by reporting criminal activities and providing information about drug dealers and other criminals in their communities.