Latest SAPS data highlights Pretoria’s top crime hotspots, including Akasia, Mamelodi East, Sunnyside and more, urging residents to stay alert and aware.
Most Dangerous Suburbs: Pretoria’s safety map is changing — and not in a good way. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has released its fourth-quarter crime statistics for the 2024/2025 financial year, and the numbers paint a sobering picture of the capital city’s most dangerous suburbs. From hijackings to sexual assaults and house robberies, several key areas are grappling with a rise in serious criminal activity.
If you’re a resident, visitor or investor eyeing Tshwane, this breakdown will help you understand where caution should take priority.
Most Dangerous Suburbs in Pretoria
Akasia: A Growing Threat in the North
Once considered a quiet northern suburb, Akasia now ranks high for a variety of serious crimes. The SAPS data shows sharp increases in:
- Kidnappings
- Contact crimes and common assaults
- Robbery with aggravating circumstances
- Property-related offences
- Motor vehicle theft
- Malicious damage to property
The area’s diverse residential zones are being overshadowed by a steady rise in violent crime, raising concern among community policing forums.
Mamelodi East: Gender-Based Violence Hotspot
Long plagued by socio-economic challenges, Mamelodi East remains a hotspot for:
- Rape and other sexual offences
- Gender-based violence (GBV) assaults
- Robbery with aggravating circumstances
- Motor vehicle theft
- Trio crimes (carjackings, residential and non-residential robberies)
Despite interventions by law enforcement, the area continues to report a disturbingly high volume of crimes that particularly affect women and children.
Temba: From House Break-ins to Hijackings
The township of Temba is experiencing a crime wave marked by:
- Rape and assault
- House break-ins and theft
- Trio crimes
- Robbery with aggravating circumstances
Residents have voiced concerns over a lack of visible policing, especially in high-density areas and transit zones.
Sunnyside: Assaults and Sexual Offences on the Rise
Known for its high-rise apartments and student population, Sunnyside has unfortunately become synonymous with:
- Sexual offences
- Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH)
- Common robbery and assault
- Attempted murders
The dense population and nightlife hotspots have made the suburb a breeding ground for opportunistic crimes.
Brooklyn: White-Collar Crime and Violent Acts Collide
The seemingly upscale suburb of Brooklyn is no stranger to crime either. SAPS has flagged:
- Kidnappings
- Commercial crimes
- Rape and sexual offences
- Common robbery
A mix of affluence and high foot traffic has made Brooklyn an attractive zone for both petty criminals and organized syndicates.
Pretoria Central: Mixed Results in the Inner City
Though Pretoria Central still reports:
- Robbery with aggravating circumstances
- Common assault
- Contact crimes
It’s not all doom and gloom. The area saw a 26.4% decrease in overall contact crimes, with significant drops in both common robbery and aggravated robbery, proving that targeted policing may be making a difference.
Other Noteworthy Crime Areas:
- Loate: Notorious for hijackings and armed robberies.
- Pretoria West: Hijackings and aggressive robberies dominate.
- Rietgat & Olievenhoutbosch: Consistently flagged for hijackings.
What This Means for Residents and Visitors
While these statistics don’t mean you should avoid these areas altogether, awareness and vigilance are essential. Local community policing forums, CCTV expansions, and neighborhood watch programmes are playing a key role in helping to curb some of the violence — but more sustained interventions are needed.
The latest SAPS data is a wake-up call, urging both citizens and city authorities to work together in reclaiming the safety of our communities.
Quick Summary of Most Dangerous Suburbs in Pretoria:
| Suburb | Key Crimes Reported |
|---|---|
| Akasia | Kidnappings, robbery, property crimes |
| Mamelodi East | Rape, GBV, motor vehicle theft, trio crimes |
| Temba | Assaults, house break-ins, hijackings |
| Sunnyside | Sexual offences, attempted murder, GBH assaults |
| Brooklyn | Kidnappings, commercial crime, rape |
| Pretoria Central | Robbery, assault (but showing improvement) |
| Loate | Robbery with aggravating circumstances, hijackings |
| Pretoria West | Hijackings, robbery |
| Rietgat | Hijackings |
| Olievenhoutbosch | Hijackings |
📌 Final Thoughts
The truth is plain and painful — Pretoria’s crime landscape is shifting. These newly released SAPS statistics are more than just numbers; they are a clarion call to action for communities, police and policy-makers alike. Safety starts with awareness. Share this with your loved ones and stay informed.
Also read: Over 900 Suspects Arrested in Gauteng for Armed Robbery, Murder and Other Violent Crimes
