Cape Winelands crime rates diverge as McGregor falls and Franschhoek rises

Crime trends in the Cape Winelands region of South Africa show a sharp divergence between different municipalities. According to South African Police Service (SAPS) data, the village of McGregor has seen a significant reduction in criminal activity. For the year ending March 2026, crime in McGregor fell by 31%, bringing its crime rate down to 4.27% from a peak of 6.27% in 2022. This decline has coincided with increased interest in the local property market.

In contrast, several other precincts in the region are experiencing rising crime levels. Franschhoek reported a 56.3% increase in crime over a three-month period, with a notable spike in murders; 14 murders were recorded in the most recent quarter compared to three in the same period the previous year. Drug-related incidents in Franschhoek also rose significantly.

Other areas facing deterioration include Touws River, which saw a 71.4% increase in crime over three months. While McGregor is moving toward crime levels not seen since 2017, much of the surrounding Winelands region continues to struggle with increasing theft, assault, and drug-related offenses.