Zele Crime Statistics
See how Zele 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
High
in Eastern Cape · Moderate nationally
Reported crimes
793
Apr 2025–Mar 2026 · Full year
vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025
↓ 5.8%
fewer crimes vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025
vs pre-COVID baseline
↑ 5.3%
above 2018-2019
Updated · SAPS Q4 2025-26 release
What's changing?
Biggest changes vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025
All theft not mentioned elsewhere dropped significantly (-30) while Drug-related crime increased (+27).
Crime trend by year
Crime breakdown
Top reported offences in 2025-2026
| Crime category | Reported count |
|---|---|
| Serious assault | 200 |
| Residential burglary | 112 |
| Common assault | 73 |
| Malicious damage | 70 |
| All theft not mentioned elsewhere | 62 |
| Stock-theft | 46 |
| Crimen injuria | 37 |
| Drug-related crime | 35 |
View full crime breakdown table
| Category | 2025-2026 | 2024-2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serious assault | 200 | 209 | -9 |
| Residential burglary | 112 | 126 | -14 |
| Common assault | 73 | 77 | -4 |
| Malicious damage | 70 | 74 | -4 |
| All theft not mentioned elsewhere | 62 | 92 | -30 |
| Stock-theft | 46 | 48 | -2 |
| Crimen injuria | 37 | 42 | -5 |
| Drug-related crime | 35 | 8 | +27 |
| Rape | 32 | 37 | -5 |
| Aggravated robbery | 21 | 25 | -4 |
| Business burglary | 18 | 17 | +1 |
| Murder | 12 | 18 | -6 |
| Commercial crime | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| Common robbery | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| Kidnapping | 9 | 6 | +3 |
| Theft from vehicle | 9 | 6 | +3 |
| Attempted murder | 7 | 9 | -2 |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs | 7 | 1 | +6 |
| Attempted sexual offences | 6 | 9 | -3 |
| Sexual assault | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition | 4 | 1 | +3 |
| Culpable homicide | 3 | 5 | -2 |
| Neglect and ill-treatment of children | 3 | 4 | -1 |
| Arson | 2 | 3 | -1 |
| Public violence | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Abduction | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Contact sexual offences | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sexual offences detected as a result of police action | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Shoplifting | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Compare with nearby areas
Other precincts in Buffalo City
Sorted by total reported crimes (lowest first)
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about crime in Zele
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 →