Top 10 African Cities With the Highest Crime Index at the Start of 2026
Crime and safety remain critical issues shaping urban life across Africa. At the start of 2026, fresh insights from Numbeo’s Crime Index shed light on how residents and visitors perceive safety in major African cities, revealing stark contrasts in everyday experiences across the continent.
The Crime Index is based on user-reported data rather than official police statistics. It evaluates factors such as perceived crime levels, safety while walking alone during the day and night, property crimes like theft and burglary, violent crimes including assault and robbery, and incidents linked to discrimination or bias. While subjective, the index offers a valuable snapshot of how secure or unsafe life feels on the ground.
Notably, six of the ten African cities with the highest crime scores are in South Africa, underscoring the country’s ongoing struggle with urban crime despite its economic prominence.
1. Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (Crime Index: 82.8)
Pietermaritzburg tops the list as the African city with the highest crime index at the start of 2026. With a safety score of just 17.2, residents face daily exposure to both property and violent crimes. Theft, burglary, and physical assaults are persistent challenges, significantly affecting quality of life and movement within the city.
2. Pretoria, South Africa (81.8)
South Africa’s administrative capital ranks second, recording a crime index of 81.8 and a safety score of 18.2. Despite being the seat of government and an important economic centre, Pretoria struggles with high levels of burglary, theft, and street crime, particularly in urban and residential areas.
3. Johannesburg, South Africa (80.8)
Johannesburg, the country’s financial hub, continues to battle serious safety concerns. With a crime index of 80.8 and safety at 19.2, it remains one of Africa’s least safe major cities. While it offers vast economic opportunities, cultural richness, and global connectivity, residents often depend on private security and gated communities, and visitors are advised to remain highly vigilant.
4. Durban, South Africa (80.4)
Durban records a crime index of 80.4 and a safety score of 19.6. As a major port city and popular tourist destination, Durban faces a complex mix of economic activity and security challenges. Armed robbery, theft, and violent crime are common concerns, particularly in central business districts and certain residential zones.
5. Port Elizabeth, South Africa (78.6)
Port Elizabeth posts a crime index of 78.6, with safety at 21.4. While the coastal city plays a vital role in South Africa’s industrial and transport sectors, ongoing violent and property crime continues to disrupt everyday life for residents and businesses alike.
6. Cape Town, South Africa (73.7)
Globally renowned for its natural beauty, tourism appeal, and cultural diversity, Cape Town still grapples with safety challenges. Its crime index stands at 73.7, with a safety score of 26.3. Although it remains a major business and travel destination, crime hotspots and socio-economic inequality contribute to ongoing security concerns.
7. Lagos, Nigeria (68.8)
Lagos, Africa’s most populous city and Nigeria’s economic engine, records a crime index of 68.8 and safety at 31.2. The city faces issues such as petty theft, traffic-related risks, and sporadic violent incidents. Despite these challenges, Lagos continues to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and creatives from across the continent.
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8. Windhoek, Namibia (67.6)
Windhoek ranks eighth with a crime index of 67.6 and a safety score of 32.4. While generally considered safer than many African capitals, the city still experiences burglary, theft, and street crime, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
9. Harare, Zimbabwe (60.7)
Harare records a crime index of 60.7, with safety at 39.3. The Zimbabwean capital faces moderate crime levels, largely driven by petty theft and occasional violent incidents. Economic pressures and urban congestion influence safety conditions, although the city remains an important administrative and commercial centre.
10. Nairobi, Kenya (59.4)
Rounding out the list is Nairobi, with a crime index of 59.4 and safety at 40.6. Compared to several other African capitals, Nairobi is relatively safer, though residents and visitors still contend with pickpocketing, theft, and isolated violent crimes.
While crime levels differ significantly across Africa’s major cities, the 2026 Crime Index highlights the urgent need for improved urban safety strategies, economic inclusion, and community-focused security initiatives to enhance quality of life across the continent.
