Question 1

Is Southernwood safe to live in?

Accepted Answer

The Mthatha precinct (covering Southernwood) recorded 4,672 crimes in Apr 2025–Mar 2026 — up 4.4% vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025. 172 murders were reported. It sits in the "Very High" crime-volume tier for Eastern Cape precincts. Nationally, it sits in the "Very High" crime-volume tier across all 1,175 SA precincts. SafeSuburb presents SAPS figures as published — we do not rate suburbs safe or unsafe. SAPS reports crime at precinct level, not per suburb, so all suburbs in this precinct share the same data.

Question 2

What is the crime rate in Southernwood?

Accepted Answer

The Mthatha precinct (covering Southernwood) reported 4,672 crimes in Apr 2025–Mar 2026, including 2145 violent crimes and 942 property crimes. 172 murders were reported. Crime is up 4.4% vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025.

Question 3

Has crime in Southernwood increased or decreased?

Accepted Answer

Crime in the Mthatha precinct (covering Southernwood) has increased 4.4% vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025. The precinct reported 4,672 crimes in Apr 2025–Mar 2026, compared to the same period in the previous financial year.

Question 4

What is the most common crime in Southernwood?

Accepted Answer

The most frequently reported crime in Southernwood (Mthatha precinct) is Serious assault, with 664 cases reported in Apr 2025–Mar 2026. This is followed by Common assault (630 cases).

Question 5

What police station covers Southernwood?

Accepted Answer

Southernwood is covered by the Mthatha police station (SAPS). Other suburbs in this precinct include CBD, Fort Gale, Hillcrest, Ikwezi, Mthatha.

Question 6

Where is Southernwood located?

Accepted Answer

Southernwood is a suburb in OR Tambo, Eastern Cape. It is served by the Mthatha SAPS police station.

Question 7

Which suburbs share crime data with Southernwood?

Accepted Answer

Southernwood falls within the Mthatha police precinct, which also covers: CBD, Fort Gale, Hillcrest, Ikwezi, Mthatha, Mthatha Central, Mthatha North, Ncise, Ngangelizwe, Northcrest, Norwood, Slovo Park, Umtata, Viedgesville. SAPS reports crime at precinct level, so all these suburbs share the same crime statistics as Southernwood.

Crime category	Reported count
Serious assault	664
Common assault	630
All theft not mentioned elsewhere	485
Residential burglary	338
Stock-theft	331
Malicious damage	301
Aggravated robbery	295
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs	244

Southernwood Crime Statistics

Crime by type

What's changing?

Crime trend by year

Crime breakdown

Compare with nearby areas

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Other suburbs served by Mthatha police station

Frequently Asked Questions

Data Sources & Notes

Economic Context