Howick Crime Statistics

Howick, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal — Latest SAPS Crime Data

D39/100

High Risk

Total Crimes

1,055

-1% vs 2024

Crime Rate

2,847

per 100k

Safety Score

39/100

Grade D — High Risk

Population

49,429

Crime Breakdown — Howick (2025)

Crime Category	Group	Cases	% of Total
Commercial Crime	other-serious	241	22.8%
All theft not mentioned elsewhere	other-serious	223	21.1%
Burglary at residential premises	property	119	11.3%
Drug-Related Crime	detected	115	10.9%
Assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm	contact	111	10.5%
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs	detected	88	8.3%
Common assault	contact	87	8.2%
Theft out of or from motor vehicle	property	55	5.2%
Malicious damage to property	contact-related	51	4.8%
Shoplifting	other-serious	44	4.2%
Burglary at non-residential premises	property	40	3.8%
Other aggravated robbery	other-serious	35	3.3%
Rape	contact	33	3.1%
Common robbery	contact	23	2.2%
Stock Theft	property	23	2.2%
Culpable homicide	other-serious	20	1.9%
Attempted murder	contact	16	1.5%
Theft of motor vehicle and motorcycle	property	15	1.4%
Murder	contact	12	1.1%
Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition	detected	11	1.0%
Sexual Assault	contact	11	1.0%
Truck hijacking	contact	11	1.0%
Kidnapping	contact	7	0.7%
Arson	contact-related	5	0.5%
Robbery at residential premises	contact	5	0.5%
Crimen Injuria	contact-related	4	0.4%
Carjacking	contact	3	0.3%
Contact Sexual Offences	contact	1	0.1%
Sexual offences detected as a result of police action	detected	1	0.1%
Abduction	contact	0	0.0%
Attempted Sexual Offences	contact	0	0.0%
Bank Robbery	contact	0	0.0%
Neglect and ill-treatment of children	contact	0	0.0%
Public violence	contact-related	0	0.0%
Robbery at non-residential premises	contact	0	0.0%
Robbery of cash in transit	contact	0	0.0%

Howick Crime Trend (2018-2025)

Howick Crime Breakdown (2025)

Is Howick Safe?

No, Howick has high crime levels.

Howick scores 39/100 on our safety index, earning a Grade D (High Risk). The crime rate in Howick is 2,847 per 100,000 people, significantly above the national average. Take extra precautions in Howick, particularly after dark, and be aware of the predominant crime types in the area.

vs National Average

-7%

Below average

Year-on-Year

-1%

Relatively stable

Top Crime

Commercial Crime

23% of all crime

Rank in Pietermaritzburg

20/25

Among highest risk

Crime breakdown in Howick

In 2025, Howick recorded 1,055 total crimes. The most prevalent crime in Howick is Commercial Crime with 241 reported cases (22.8% of all crime in Howick), followed by All theft not mentioned elsewhere at 223 cases (21.1%) and Burglary at residential premises at 119 cases (11.3%).

Compared to 2024, crime in Howick has decreased by 1%, a positive sign for the Howick community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common crimes in Howick?

The most reported crimes in Howick are Commercial Crime (241 cases), All theft not mentioned elsewhere (223 cases), Burglary at residential premises (119 cases). These figures are based on 2025 SAPS data.

How does Howick compare to other areas in Pietermaritzburg?

Howick has a crime rate of 2,847 per 100k. Compared to other precincts in Pietermaritzburg, Rietvlei is safer with a rate of 132 per 100k.

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Other Precincts in Pietermaritzburg

Precinct	Population	Crimes	Rate	Safety
Rietvlei	49,429	49	132	A (97)
Boston	49,429	102	275	A (92)
Cramond	49,429	127	342	A (90)
Mid Illovo	49,429	151	407	A (88)
Harburg	49,429	156	421	A (88)
Dalton	49,429	170	459	A (87)
Bishopstowe	49,429	198	534	A (84)
Nottingham Road	49,429	206	556	A (84)
Wartburg	49,429	267	720	A (80)
New Hanover	49,429	342	923	B (75)