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Westdene Crime Statistics

3 of 4 quarters (Apr 2025 – Dec 2025) SAPS Data Report error
Precinct-level data
Westdene falls within the Sophia Town police precinct. SAPS reports crime at precinct level — all suburbs in this precinct share the same statistics. Other suburbs: Berario, Martindale, Newlands, Sophiatown.
Westdene is a suburb in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Crime in the Sophia Town precinct area (covering Westdene) increased 7.8% vs Apr–Dec 2024, with 2,665 reported serious crimes in Apr–Dec 2025, and is 21.8% below its pre-COVID level. The most reported crime is Drug-related crime (885 cases). Kidnapping saw the biggest increase (+48). Raw counts are not adjusted for population. Source: SAPS quarterly release.

See how Sophia Town compares to other Gauteng 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 Gauteng · Very High nationally

Reported crimes

2,665

2025-2026 · 9 of 12 months

vs Apr–Dec 2024

↑ 7.8%

more crimes vs Apr–Dec 2024

(based on 3 of 4 quarters)

vs its pre-COVID level

↓ 21.8%

below 2018-2019

Crime in the Sophia Town precinct area (covering Westdene) rose 7.8% vs Apr–Dec 2024, with crime levels already high relative to other precincts.
Total crime: 35% above provincial median
Contact crime: 7% above provincial median
Property crime: 39% 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

64

↓ 12.3% vs Apr–Dec 2024

Violent crime

851

↑ 5.6% vs Apr–Dec 2024

Property crime

431

↑ 12.8% vs Apr–Dec 2024

Other crime

1,383

↑ 7.7% vs Apr–Dec 2024

Crime breakdown

Top reported offences in 2025-2026

Top reported crime categories in Sophia Town precinct, 2025-2026
Crime categoryReported count
Drug-related crime
885
Aggravated robbery
227
Common assault
186
Residential burglary
169
Serious assault
153
Malicious damage
133
Theft from vehicle
125
Attempted murder
100
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Compare with nearby areas

Other precincts in Johannesburg

Sorted by total reported crimes (lowest first)

Compare Westdene

Side-by-side crime statistics with nearby suburbs

Other suburbs served by Sophia Town police station

5 suburbs in this precinct share the same SAPS crime data

SAPS reports at precinct level — all suburbs below have identical crime statistics to Westdene.

View full Sophia Town precinct overview →

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about crime in Westdene

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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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