Murder surges as Honeydew grapples with escalating violent crime

Murder has increased by 11% in the Honeydew policing precinct, prompting the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety to demand urgent action to tackle escalating violent crime in the area.

The committee raised the alarm following an oversight visit to Honeydew Police Station, which was ranked the worst-performing police station in Gauteng and fourth worst nationally in the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year.

The station recorded an 11% increase in murder, while sexual offences rose by 22% and assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm increased by 26%.

The committee described the figures as unacceptable and called for urgent, coordinated interventions involving police, local authorities, schools, community structures and other stakeholders.

Community members also raised concerns about gangsterism, saying young people, including school-going children, are increasingly becoming involved in violent crime involving firearms, knives and pangas.

The committee plans to convene a Community Safety Imbizo in Honeydew to demand concrete interventions and accountability from authorities.