Several police stations in the Gert Sibande District have appeared among South Africa's Top 30 stations for specific crime categories in the latest SAPS crime statistics covering the period January to March 2026.
The statistics reveal concerns around sexual offences, rape, assault, stock theft and illegal firearm possession, with a number of local stations recording increases compared to the same period last year.
Piet Retief recorded the highest number of sexual offences among Gert Sibande stations featured in the national rankings. The station reported 42 sexual offences during the quarter, up from 22 cases during the same period in 2025.
The station also appeared among the country's Top 30 stations for rape after recording 35 cases, an increase from 17 cases reported during the corresponding quarter last year.
Ermelo was also listed among South Africa's Top 30 stations for rape, recording 34 cases during the quarter compared to 24 cases in the first quarter of 2025. The figures place Ermelo among the stations drawing attention for crimes against women and vulnerable persons.
Standerton featured among the national Top 30 stations for sexual assault. The station recorded nine cases during the reporting period, up from five cases during the same quarter last year.
In Embalenhle, assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm (GBH) remained a significant concern. The station recorded 153 cases during the quarter, an increase of 21 cases compared to the previous year, placing it among the highest-ranked stations nationally in this category.
Stock theft continues to affect farming communities across the district. Piet Retief once again appeared among the country's Top 30 stations for stock theft after recording 23 cases, more than double the 11 cases reported during the same period in 2025.
Carolina recorded one of the most dramatic increases among local stations. Cases involving the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition rose from just two cases during the first quarter of 2025 to 35 cases during the same period in 2026. The increase resulted in Carolina being ranked among South Africa's Top 30 stations for the offence.
While the SAPS statistics indicate that overall serious crime declined nationally and provincially during the quarter, the inclusion of several Gert Sibande stations in national rankings highlights ongoing challenges facing communities across the district.