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Motherwell Crime Statistics

Motherwell Precinct |Nelson Mandela Bay
Apr 2025–Mar 2026 · Full year 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 5.3% vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025, with 1,894 reported crimes in Apr 2025–Mar 2026, and is 47.2% below its pre-COVID level. The most reported crime is Drug-related crime (351 cases). Aggravated robbery saw the biggest decrease (-102). Raw counts are not adjusted for population. Source: SAPS quarterly release.

See how Motherwell 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 · High nationally

Reported crimes

1,894

Apr 2025–Mar 2026 · Full year

vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025

↓ 5.3%

fewer crimes vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025

vs its pre-COVID level

↓ 47.2%

below 2018-2019

Updated · SAPS Q4 2025-26 release

Crime in the Motherwell precinct area (covering Motherwell) decreased 5.3% vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025, though crime levels remain very high relative to other precincts.
Total crime: 285% above provincial median
Contact crime: 320% above provincial median
Property crime: 52% above provincial median

Crime by type

Change vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025 by crime category. Murder is shown separately but is included in the violent crime total.

Murder

119

↓ 13.1% vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025

Violent crime

798

↓ 16.8% vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025

Property crime

157

↑ 4% vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025

Other (drug, commercial, theft)

939

↑ 5.6% vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025

Crime breakdown

Top reported offences in 2025-2026

Top reported crime categories in Motherwell precinct, 2025-2026
Crime categoryReported count
Drug-related crime		351
Aggravated robbery		217
Serious assault		185
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs		169
Common assault		121
Murder		119
Commercial crime		113
All theft not mentioned elsewhere		99
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Compare with nearby areas

Other precincts in Nelson Mandela Bay

Sorted by total reported crimes (lowest first)

Ikamvelihle

901 crimes ↓ 4.7%

Chatty

902 crimes → 0.6%

Despatch

1,030 crimes ↓ 6%

Swartkops

1,484 crimes ↓ 8.6%

Kwadwesi

1,546 crimes ↓ 2.7%

Kamesh

1,785 crimes ↓ 4.8%
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

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