Gauteng crime stats: Overall crime down, but illegal firearm possession cause for concern

Gauteng police have reported reduced overall crime over the festive season, but they have highlighted an increase in attempted murder cases, and the possession of illegal firearms remains worryingly high.

Provincial Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni delivered crime statistics on Thursday morning for the period between October and December 2025.

The province has accounted for 26% of the overall national crime statistics.

Mthombeni said while murder dropped by 11%, attempted murder recorded an increase of 6.5%.

“The top three causative factors for murder are arguments/misunderstandings/road rage and provocation, vigilantism and robbery. And we are, therefore, calling for tolerance amongst the community.”

The statistics have also shown over 900 cases of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, which has prompted a partnership between the province and the organisation Gun Free South Africa.