Gauteng’s murder rate may be falling, but guns and vigilante killings continue to fuel deadly violence across South Africa’s economic hub.
New crime statistics released by police show murders in the province declined by 15% between January and march 2026 compared with the same period last year.
Yet nearly 500 people were still gunned down during the three-month period, underscoring the scale of violent crime in the country’s most populous province.
Police analysis found that firearms were used in 488 murders, making guns by far the most common weapon used by killers.
Knives were linked to 102 murders, while sharp instruments accounted for a further 43 deaths.
The figures also reveal the deadly impact of mob justice. Vigilantism was identified as one of the leading causes of murder in Gauteng, with 74 people killed in vigilante attacks during the quarter.
Despite the overall decline, several communities continue to experience exceptionally high levels of violence.
The Jeppe policing precinct recorded the highest number of murders in Gauteng, with 33 killings during the quarter,
Provincial head for crime registrar, Brigadier Mpho Chakalane said, “Top five being Jeppe, Alexandra, Ivory Park, Eldorado Park, as well as Bekkersdal. Jeppe is ranked number one in the province.
Meanwhile Bekkersdal recorded the sharpest increase in murders, emerging as one of the province’s growing violent hotspots.
Gauteng’s 40 worst murder stations accounted for 61.3% of all murders recorded in the province between January and March.
Police said that arguments, misunderstandings, provocation and road-rage incidents remained the biggest drivers of murder, followed by vigilantism and robberies.
The province remains South Africa’s largest contributor to serious crime, accounting for 26% of all community-reported serious crimes nationally.
Dimakatso Leshoro
www.ewn.co.za
