Violent crime in the Cape Town suburb of Kraaifontein has surged suddenly in the first half of 2025. Situated north east of Durbanville along the N1 highway, on the surface, few would call Kraaifontein a crime hotspot. However, according to the latest SAPS crime statistics – reported in Q1 and Q2 2025 – it is anything but.
In fact, due to the increase in violent crime, it is now the second most dangerous place in South Africa (January to June 2025). Of course, this type of notoriety does not align well with the DA-run City of Cape Town’s (COCT’s) vision of a well-governed, crime-free province.
VIOLENT CRIME IN KRAAIFONTEIN
According to the latest South African Police Service (SAPS) figures from the reporting period, violent crime in Kraaifontein looks like so:
- 506 assaults
- 128 home robberies
- 112 aggravated robberies
- 106 murders
- 100 sexual assaults
- 69 attempted murders
- 25 vehicle hijackings
As far as business/commercial-related crimes go, 22 burglary cases were reported.
KRAAIFONTEIN BESIEGED BY CRIME
But what, if anything, is behind this sudden surge in violent crime in Kraaifontein in 2025? Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says he’s shocked and outraged by the rate of murder and violent crime in the province, reports NovaNews. “The vast majority of the murders in the Western Cape are gun related. And the COCT’s success with the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) – to get illegal guns off our streets – now adds urgency and credibility to our fight,” Winde said.
Tellingly, LEAP was formerly deployed in Kraaifontein. However, it was withdrawn, in part, back in September 2024. This was in favour of other areas such as Delft, Khayelitsha, Philippi East, Nyanga, Mitchells Plain and Gugulethu. At the time, these low-income areas were identified as worse crime hotspots.
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT MUST FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME
Nevertheless, Winde believes an effective fight against violent crime needs national government support. “We have always been willing to work with national government to address this crisis. Especially with minister Cachalia and his team. But now national government’s justice and security cluster need to do more to fend of violent crime in the country. The evidence is compelling, and the rate is unacceptably high. The time for action is now,” concludes Winde.
But what do you think? Do you live in or nearby Kraaifontein? Is violent crime really as prevalent is reported? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below …
