Swellendam Crime Statistics
See how Swellendam compares to other Western 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
Moderate
in Western Cape · High nationally
Reported crimes
2,274
Apr 2025–Mar 2026 · Full year
vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025
↑ 21.9%
more crimes vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025
vs pre-COVID baseline
↑ 35.3%
above 2018-2019
Updated · SAPS Q4 2025-26 release
What's changing?
Biggest changes vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025
Business burglary dropped significantly (-31) while Drug-related crime increased (+160).
Crime trend by year
Crime breakdown
Top reported offences in 2025-2026
| Crime category | Reported count |
|---|---|
| Drug-related crime | 535 |
| All theft not mentioned elsewhere | 366 |
| Common assault | 273 |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs | 176 |
| Residential burglary | 171 |
| Serious assault | 147 |
| Commercial crime | 136 |
| Malicious damage | 117 |
View full crime breakdown table
| Category | 2025-2026 | 2024-2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug-related crime | 535 | 375 | +160 |
| All theft not mentioned elsewhere | 366 | 277 | +89 |
| Common assault | 273 | 214 | +59 |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs | 176 | 176 | 0 |
| Residential burglary | 171 | 121 | +50 |
| Serious assault | 147 | 116 | +31 |
| Commercial crime | 136 | 118 | +18 |
| Malicious damage | 117 | 88 | +29 |
| Crimen injuria | 98 | 66 | +32 |
| Business burglary | 65 | 96 | -31 |
| Theft from vehicle | 47 | 56 | -9 |
| Rape | 25 | 20 | +5 |
| Attempted murder | 21 | 22 | -1 |
| Shoplifting | 20 | 31 | -11 |
| Aggravated robbery | 15 | 24 | -9 |
| Common robbery | 14 | 15 | -1 |
| Murder | 13 | 11 | +2 |
| Stock-theft | 6 | 7 | -1 |
| Attempted sexual offences | 5 | 4 | +1 |
| Culpable homicide | 5 | 6 | -1 |
| Sexual assault | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Arson | 3 | 5 | -2 |
| Kidnapping | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Public violence | 2 | 1 | +1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Neglect and ill-treatment of children | 1 | 0 | +1 |
| Abduction | 0 | 1 | -1 |
| Contact sexual offences | 0 | 1 | -1 |
| Sexual offences detected as a result of police action | 0 | 1 | -1 |
Compare with nearby areas
Other precincts in Overberg
Sorted by total reported crimes (lowest first)
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about crime in Swellendam
Check another area
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 →