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Vhembe crime stats show improvement, but sex crimes still a problem

Thohoyandou struggles with high sexual offense rates, drug crimes surge

By Anton van Zyl • 28 May 2026
Vhembe crime stats show improvement, but sex crimes still a problem

The Vhembe region saw a 12.7% drop in serious crime, yet drug-related offenses surged and sexual offenses, particularly in Thohoyandou, remain alarmingly high.

The latest crime statistics show that the Vhembe region remains one of the safest areas in the country in terms of serious crime, with a 12.7% drop in reported cases. The surge in drug-related crime is, however, worrying, while sexual offences in certain areas remain alarmingly high.

The fourth-quarter crime statistics, covering the first three months of 2026, were released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) last week. In most categories, police stations in the Vhembe area did n...

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