Eastern Cape Welcomes New Police Commissioner as Crime Pressures Mount

The Eastern Cape government on 31 March 2026 formally welcomed the province’s new SAPS Provincial Commissioner at the Griffith Mxenge Complex in Zwelitsha, outlining key crime challenges and expectations.

The event, led by Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, focused on rising violent crime, gender-based violence, and organised criminal activity across the province.

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What happened

The Eastern Cape Premier addressed officials, police leadership and media during an official welcoming event for the newly appointed provincial police commissioner.

In his remarks, Mabuyane said the commissioner takes office at a “critical juncture”, with the province facing multiple crime challenges that require urgent and coordinated action.

The provincial government committed its support to SAPS but made it clear that stronger leadership, accountability and visible policing are expected.

Key details

The Premier highlighted several major crime concerns across the province:

• Gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF): Described as a “pandemic” affecting families and communities
• Gun violence and mass shootings: Particularly in areas like KwaZakhele in Gqeberha
• Gang activity: Disrupting daily life, schooling and economic activity
• Construction mafia: Targeting infrastructure projects through intimidation and extortion
• Underage drinking and substance abuse: Increasing risks among young people
• Stock theft: Threatening rural livelihoods, especially in Pondoland
• Social unrest linked to illegal immigration: Including recent protests in kuGompo City

Government also reiterated support for the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in gang-affected areas of Gqeberha.

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Why it matters

This briefing sets the tone for policing priorities in the Eastern Cape.

Residents across the province are already experiencing:

• Increased fear due to shootings and violent crime
• Economic disruption from criminal syndicates
• Ongoing threats to women, children and rural communities

For rural areas like Pondoland, stock theft remains a direct threat to income, food security and cultural life.

The government’s message is clear: crime is affecting daily life, and law enforcement must respond faster and more effectively.

What you need to know

• The new commissioner is expected to improve investigations and arrests, especially in GBV cases
• Police must target illegal firearms and organised crime networks
• SANDF deployment will continue in high-risk urban areas
• Rural safety, including stock theft, is now a priority issue
• Communities are being called to work with police to fight crime

What to do next

If you live in the Eastern Cape:

• Report crime and suspicious activity to SAPS immediately
• Avoid high-risk areas, especially where gang violence is active
• Community leaders should strengthen local safety structures
• Farmers and rural residents should report stock theft early and document losses

Staying informed about policing updates and local safety alerts is critical.

Where to get help

• Nearest SAPS station for emergencies and reporting
• Community policing forums for local safety coordination
• Local municipality offices for community safety programmes