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Msunduzi Crime Statistics

Pietermaritzburg Precinct |Umgungundlovu
3 of 4 quarters (Apr 2025 – Dec 2025) SAPS Data Report error
Precinct-level data
Msunduzi falls within the Pietermaritzburg police precinct. SAPS reports crime at precinct level — all suburbs in this precinct share the same statistics. Other suburbs: Berg Street, Boom, Central, Commercial Road, Longmarket and 2 more.
Msunduzi is a suburb in Umgungundlovu, KwaZulu-Natal. Crime in the Pietermaritzburg precinct area (covering Msunduzi) increased 8.1% vs Apr–Dec 2024, with 3,036 reported serious crimes in Apr–Dec 2025, and is 14.3% below its pre-COVID level. The most reported crime is Drug-related crime (829 cases). Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs saw the biggest increase (+199). Raw counts are not adjusted for population. Source: SAPS quarterly release.

See how Pietermaritzburg compares to other KwaZulu-Natal 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 KwaZulu-Natal

Reported crimes

3,036

2025-2026 · 9 of 12 months

vs Apr–Dec 2024

↑ 8.1%

more crimes vs Apr–Dec 2024

(based on 3 of 4 quarters)

vs its pre-COVID level

↓ 14.3%

below 2018-2019

Crime in the Pietermaritzburg precinct area (covering Msunduzi) rose 8.1% vs Apr–Dec 2024, with crime levels already very high relative to other precincts.
Total crime: 420% above provincial median
Contact crime: 321% above provincial median
Property crime: 231% 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

24

↓ 40% vs Apr–Dec 2024

Violent crime

1,089

↓ 7% vs Apr–Dec 2024

Property crime

421

↓ 6.2% vs Apr–Dec 2024

Other crime

1,526

↑ 28.3% vs Apr–Dec 2024

Crime breakdown

Top reported offences in 2025-2026

Top reported crime categories in Pietermaritzburg precinct, 2025-2026
Crime categoryReported count
Drug-related crime		829
Common assault		321
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs		251
Aggravated robbery		236
Shoplifting		223
Common robbery		211
Theft from vehicle		198
Serious assault		191
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Compare with nearby areas

Other precincts in Umgungundlovu

Sorted by total reported crimes (lowest first)

Rietvlei

43 crimes ↓ 32.1%

Boston

92 crimes ↑ 3.4%

Cramond

98 crimes ↓ 31.4%

Mid Illovo

129 crimes ↑ 17%

Harburg

131 crimes ↑ 28.7%

Nottingham Road

134 crimes ↑ 18.5%
See all precincts in Umgungundlovu →

Compare Msunduzi

Side-by-side crime statistics with nearby suburbs

More comparisons →

Other suburbs served by Pietermaritzburg police station

8 suburbs in this precinct share the same SAPS crime data

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

Berg StreetBoomCentralCommercial RoadLongmarketPietermaritzburg CBDRetief
View full Pietermaritzburg precinct overview →

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about crime in Msunduzi

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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 →

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