The latest 2026 Crime Index from Numbeo has highlighted South Africa's Pretoria and Johannesburg as two of the most dangerous cities globally, with Pretoria taking the second spot and Johannesburg the fifth. Pretoria has a crime score of 81.8, with a safety score of only 18.2, while Johannesburg follows closely with a crime score of 80.8 and a safety score of 19.2. The report indicates that these cities are facing severe issues related to violent crime, theft, and overall safety concerns, significantly affecting the quality of life for residents.

The Democratic Alliance (DA), a political party in the Gauteng province, has commented on the findings, asserting that these rankings echo the real-life experiences of local communities dealing with crime on a daily basis. The party has pointed out that many police stations in the area are facing critical staff shortages, which contribute to the escalating crime rates. The DA's statements emphasize the urgent need for effective policing and community safety strategies to combat this growing crisis.

Moreover, the report indicates that South Africa has more cities in the top ten of the global crime index than any other country, with Pietermaritzburg, Durban, and Port Elizabeth also making the list. This situation paints a troubling picture of urban safety in South Africa, calling for attention from local and national authorities to address the underlying causes of crime and enhance law enforcement resources.