Crime statistics reveal alarming trends in Chatsworth, Phoenix and Verulam

THE recent crime statistics reveal a troubling rise in serious offences in Chatsworth, Phoenix and Verulam, prompting calls for urgent action to address the escalating violence.

- NADIA KHAN and YOSHINI PERUMAL

Last Friday, the SAPS released its fourth quarter crime statistics for the 2024/2025 financial year (January 2025 to March 2025).

According to the statistics, over the three-month period, there were 5,727 murders in the country with 1,193 occurring in KwaZulu-Natal.

The province reported 1670 attempted murders, 7 535 assaults (GBH), 7,661 assaults (common), 5,629 robberies with aggravating circumstances, 1,892 common robberies, 583 carjackings, and 2,614 sexual offences cases.

In addition, there were 1 328 residential and 559 non-residential robberies reported.

Among the top 30 police stations that had the highest number of community-reported serious crimes in KZN was Chatsworth, Phoenix and Verulam.

Phoenix had the third highest number of serious crimes reported in the country and second provincially with 1 976 cases.

Chatsworth, which was fifth in the country and third in the province, had 1 827 cases.

Verulam was 30th in the country and 9th in the province with 1 295 cases.

In respect of contact crimes (murder/ attempted murder/sexual offences/all types of assault), Chatsworth was fourth in the province with 732 cases, followed by Phoenix with 724 cases.

In addition, Verulam placed seventh in KZN for murder, with 29 cases.

For attempted murder, Verulam was third in KZN with 57 cases, while Chatsworth was ninth with 36 cases.

Chatsworth was first in the province for most reported sexual assault cases. There were 15 cases reported.

In respect of common assault, Phoenix was first in the province with 360 cases, followed by Chatsworth with 351 cases.

During this period, there were also 188 robberies with aggravating circumstances reported in Verulam, and 178 reported in Phoenix.

Verulam took fifth position in KZN for robberies at residential premises (48).