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Motherwell Crime Statistics

Motherwell Precinct |Nelson Mandela Bay
3 of 4 quarters (Apr 2025 – Dec 2025) SAPS Data Report error
Precinct-level data
Motherwell falls within the Motherwell police precinct. SAPS reports crime at precinct level — all suburbs in this precinct share the same statistics.
Motherwell is a suburb in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape. Crime in the Motherwell precinct area (covering Motherwell) decreased 12.2% vs Apr–Dec 2024, with 1,388 reported serious crimes in Apr–Dec 2025, and is 46.9% below its pre-COVID level. The most reported crime is Drug-related crime (241 cases). Aggravated robbery saw the biggest decrease (-89). Raw counts are not adjusted for population. Source: SAPS quarterly release.

See how Motherwell 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

Very High

in Eastern Cape · High nationally

Reported crimes

1,388

2025-2026 · 9 of 12 months

vs Apr–Dec 2024

↓ 12.2%

fewer crimes vs Apr–Dec 2024

(based on 3 of 4 quarters)

vs its pre-COVID level

↓ 46.9%

below 2018-2019

Crime in the Motherwell precinct area (covering Motherwell) decreased 12.2% vs Apr–Dec 2024, though crime levels remain very high relative to other precincts.
Total crime: 350% above provincial median
Contact crime: 314% above provincial median
Property crime: 38% above provincial median

Crime by type

Change vs Apr–Dec 2024 by crime category. Murder is shown separately but is included in the violent crime total.

Murder

75

↓ 25.7% vs Apr–Dec 2024

Violent crime

613

↓ 20.4% vs Apr–Dec 2024

Property crime

108

↑ 3.8% vs Apr–Dec 2024

Other crime

667

↓ 5.8% vs Apr–Dec 2024

Crime breakdown

Top reported offences in 2025-2026

Top reported crime categories in Motherwell precinct, 2025-2026
Crime categoryReported count
Drug-related crime		241
Aggravated robbery		177
Serious assault		152
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs		140
Common assault		87
Murder		75
Robbery at residential premises		73
Rape		63
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Compare with nearby areas

Other precincts in Nelson Mandela Bay

Sorted by total reported crimes (lowest first)

Despatch

623 crimes ↑ 10.1%

Chatty

633 crimes → 1.4%

Ikamvelihle

713 crimes ↓ 8.6%

Swartkops

1,062 crimes → 1.3%

Algoapark

1,123 crimes ↓ 15.5%

Kwadwesi

1,163 crimes ↓ 5.4%
See all precincts in Nelson Mandela Bay →

Compare Motherwell

Side-by-side crime statistics with nearby suburbs

More comparisons →

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about crime in Motherwell

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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 →

Economic Context

Property affordability is shaped by SA's broader economic environment.