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East London Crime Statistics

Buffalo City|1 suburb
Apr 2025–Mar 2026 · Full year SAPS Data Report error
Crime in East London decreased 7.9% vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025, with 4,063 reported crimes in Apr 2025–Mar 2026, and is 43.5% below its pre-COVID level. The most reported crime is All theft not mentioned elsewhere (584 cases). Commercial crime saw the biggest decrease (-216). Raw counts are not adjusted for population. Source: SAPS quarterly release.

See how East London compares to other Eastern Cape precincts vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025 →

About this data

These are raw crime counts from SAPS — not adjusted for population. Areas with more residents will naturally report more crimes. The most reliable indicator is the trend over time, which compares this area against its own history. Learn more

Crime volume

Very High

in Eastern Cape

Reported crimes

4,063

Apr 2025–Mar 2026 · Full year

vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025

↓ 7.9%

fewer crimes vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025

vs pre-COVID baseline

↓ 43.5%

below 2018-2019

Compare with other areas →

Updated · SAPS Q4 2025-26 release

Crime in East London decreased 7.9% vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025, though crime levels remain very high relative to other precincts.

Crime breakdown

Top reported offences in 2025-2026

Top reported crime categories in East London precinct, 2025-2026
Crime categoryReported count
All theft not mentioned elsewhere		584
Theft from vehicle		380
Commercial crime		347
Serious assault		337
Aggravated robbery		318
Common assault		304
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs		293
Business burglary		280
View full crime breakdown table
Category2025-20262024-2025Change
All theft not mentioned elsewhere584568+16
Theft from vehicle380547-167
Commercial crime347563-216
Serious assault337382-45
Aggravated robbery318347-29
Common assault304305-1
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs293203+90
Business burglary280226+54
Drug-related crime254157+97
Residential burglary251270-19
Malicious damage173201-28
Shoplifting138182-44
Common robbery97109-12
Rape6699-33
Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition42420
Murder3932+7
Crimen injuria3422+12
Attempted murder3024+6
Vehicle theft2545-20
Kidnapping1825-7
Culpable homicide16160
Sexual assault1423-9
Arson62+4
Stock-theft613-7
Attempted sexual offences42+2
Neglect and ill-treatment of children330
Contact sexual offences23-1
Public violence21+1
Abduction000
Sexual offences detected as a result of police action000
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Compare with nearby areas

Other precincts in Buffalo City

Sorted by total reported crimes (lowest first)

Macleantown

230 crimes ↓ 22.6%

Chalumna

252 crimes ↓ 25.7%

Ntabozuko

320 crimes ↑ 4.2%

Kidds Beach

361 crimes ↓ 3.5%

Punzana

366 crimes ↑ 30.7%

Tamara

378 crimes ↑ 3%
See all precincts in Buffalo City →

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about crime in East London

Check another area

Data Sources & Notes

  • Crime data: SAPS quarterly crime statistics
  • SAPS data reflects reported crime only. Crime reporting rates vary by area.
  • This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for safety or property decisions. Full disclaimer
  • Full methodology →