The beginning of 2026 was marked by violence in Cali. During the first four days of the year, authorities confirmed 17 homicides in different parts of the city, a figure that, although it represents a decrease compared to the same period in 2025, continues to be above the records of previous years.
The data, consolidated from official security reports, show that between January 1 and 4, violent deaths occurred in several communes, with a significant concentration in eastern and northern sectors of the capital of Valle del Cauca.
Compared to the beginning of 2025, when 20 homicides were recorded in the first four days, the current balance reflects three fewer cases, which is equivalent to a reduction of close to 15%. However, the panorama remains worrying if it is contrasted with previous years: in 2022, 10 homicides were reported in the same period, in 2023 there were 11 and in 2024 the figure reached 12.
January 1, the most critical day
The day with the highest number of homicides was Thursday, January 1, when seven cases were recorded. Most of these crimes were committed with firearms, while others were committed with knives. Among the victims were six men and one woman, the latter murdered in the Floralia neighborhood, in the north of Cali.
During the following days, the violence did not stop. On January 2, two homicides were reported, while January 3 and 4 closed with four cases each, maintaining a constant trend of violent events at the start of the year.
Recent cases and most affected areas
On Sunday, January 4, the four confirmed homicides took place mainly in eastern sectors of the city. The victims were men between 19 and 30 years old, some of whom died after being transferred to healthcare centers due to the severity of the wounds caused by a firearm.
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Cali City
These events occurred in neighborhoods such as Ulpiano Lloreda, Potrero Grande, Invasión Villa Blanca and Manuela Beltrán, areas where the authorities have reinforced the police presence due to the increase in violent episodes.
Police response and operational actions
In the midst of this panorama, the Cali Metropolitan Police reported on several operational results obtained during the first days of the year. Among them, the arrests of people wanted for serious crimes stand out, such as aggravated homicide, illegal possession of weapons and drug trafficking.
Likewise, arrests were made for domestic violence in different sectors of the city, as well as arrests related to theft from people, especially the theft of high-end mobile phones.
In terms of asset recovery, the authorities managed to locate and recover a motorcycle and a vehicle that had been reported stolen, while in operations against micro-trafficking a 64-year-old man was arrested in possession of illicit substances intended for sale.
Investigations in progress
The authorities continue to carry out investigations to establish the causes behind the recorded homicides. Among the main lines of analysis are possible disputes between criminal structures and events associated with intolerance during the beginning of the year celebrations.
Although the reduction compared to 2025 represents an encouraging figure, security agencies recognize that the number of homicides remains high for the beginning of the year, so control operations and strategies will be maintained in the most affected areas of the city.