Howick vs Pietermaritzburg: Crime Comparison
2025-2026 SAPS data
Howick had 3,947 fewer reported crimes than Pietermaritzburg (1,500 vs 5,447 — 72% difference).
Howick
Howick precinct
Total crimes
1,500
Apr 2025–Mar 2026
vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025
↑ 3.4% more crimes
Crime split
377 violent · 262 property · 861 other
11 murders
Most reported crime
Residential burglary (132)
Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg precinct
Total crimes
5,447
Apr 2025–Mar 2026
vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025
↑ 4.4% more crimes
Crime split
1,445 violent · 552 property · 3,450 other
33 murders
Most reported crime
Common assault (408)
Crime trend over time
At a glance
- Howick had 3,947 fewer reported crimes (1,500 vs 5,447)
- Most reported crime in Howick: Residential burglary · In Pietermaritzburg: Common assault
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Howick safer than Pietermaritzburg?
SafeSuburb presents official SAPS data — we don't make safety judgements. Howick had 3,947 fewer reported crimes than Pietermaritzburg (1,500 vs 5,447 — 72% difference). Browse the crime statistics above to draw your own conclusions.
What is the crime rate in Howick vs Pietermaritzburg?
Howick (Howick precinct) reported 1,500 crimes, while Pietermaritzburg (Pietermaritzburg precinct) reported 5,447 crimes. Note: these are precinct-level figures from SAPS, not suburb-specific counts.
Crime data from SAPS quarterly statistics. Methodology · Disclaimer
This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for safety or property decisions.