Zele Crime Statistics
See how Zele compares to other Eastern Cape precincts vs Apr–Dec 2024 →
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
544
2025-2026 · 9 of 12 months
vs Apr–Dec 2024
↓ 6.1%
fewer crimes vs Apr–Dec 2024
(based on 3 of 4 quarters)
vs pre-COVID baseline
↑ 7.8%
above 2018-2019
What's changing?
Biggest changes vs Apr–Dec 2024
Common assault dropped significantly (-15) while Drug-related crime increased (+18).
Crime trend by year
Hollow points with dashed lines indicate years with fewer than 4 quarters of data. These totals may be lower because not all quarters have been released by SAPS.
Crime breakdown
Top reported offences in 2025-2026
| Crime category | Reported count |
|---|---|
| Serious assault | 155 |
| Residential burglary | 90 |
| Malicious damage | 53 |
| Common assault | 45 |
| Stock-theft | 35 |
| Crimen injuria | 27 |
| Drug-related crime | 24 |
| Rape | 20 |
View full crime breakdown table
| Category | 2025-2026 | 2024-2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serious assault | 155 | 157 | -2 |
| Residential burglary | 90 | 91 | -1 |
| Malicious damage | 53 | 53 | 0 |
| Common assault | 45 | 60 | -15 |
| Stock-theft | 35 | 33 | +2 |
| Crimen injuria | 27 | 33 | -6 |
| Drug-related crime | 24 | 6 | +18 |
| Rape | 20 | 32 | -12 |
| Aggravated robbery | 15 | 21 | -6 |
| Business burglary | 12 | 14 | -2 |
| Common robbery | 8 | 7 | +1 |
| Murder | 8 | 18 | -10 |
| Kidnapping | 7 | 5 | +2 |
| Attempted murder | 6 | 7 | -1 |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs | 6 | 1 | +5 |
| Robbery at residential premises | 6 | 9 | -3 |
| Attempted sexual offences | 5 | 6 | -1 |
| Theft from vehicle | 5 | 6 | -1 |
| Sexual assault | 4 | 5 | -1 |
| Culpable homicide | 3 | 4 | -1 |
| Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition | 3 | 1 | +2 |
| Public violence | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Robbery at non-residential premises | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 3 | -2 |
| Carjacking | 1 | 2 | -1 |
| Neglect and ill-treatment of children | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Abduction | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bank robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Contact sexual offences | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery of cash in transit | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Shoplifting | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Truck hijacking | 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 →