The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) recently joined forces to launch Safer Festive Season operations in the Eastern Cape.

In partnership with the SANDF and other security role-players like the Metro Police and Correctional Services, the SAPS on 24 October launched its Safer Festive Season 2025/26 operation in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).

Lieutenant Siphesihle Gqirana reported that the event symbolised unity among South Africa’s security cluster and law enforcement services, which are all working together to ensure a safe, crime-free festive period for residents and visitors across the province.

At the Gqeberha launch, soldiers from Army Support Base Eastern Cape carried out a drill and ceremonial parade while a BK117 helicopter from Air Force Station Port Elizabeth carried out a hoisting exercise – 15 Squadron Charlie Flight Pilot (Major Mzikayise Sandi), Flight Engineer (Sergeant Carel van Dalen) and the SA Police Service diving team practised hoisting over water operations to the delight of assembled crowds.

Other stakeholders taking part in the launch included the South African Military Health Service (Area Military Health Unit), Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Police, Correctional Services, and SA Police Service Mounted Unit.

The launch was led by the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso. “It is an honour to stand before you today to share an important message. The festive season is a time of joy, celebration and reunion. It brings visitors/tourists to our province and strengthens our local economy, but it also presents challenges, particularly in terms of criminal activity. This festive season, the safety of residents and visitors is our top priority. We will not allow crime to overshadow the positive spirit of this season. Partnership is crucial; we urge residents to stay vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and avoid drinking and driving, and look out for one another. We will leave no stone unturned, criminals will be pursued relentlessly, and we are committed to ensuring that this community remains safe for everyone,” she said.

During the launch, Kupiso officially handed over 28 new police vehicles to serve communities across Nelson Mandela Bay.

Throughout October, various provinces have been launching Safer Festive Season operations. National Police Commissioner Fanie Masemola explained at the beginning of the month that the Safer Festive Season Campaign is designed to combat crime during the South African summer holidays (typically from October to January), a period historically characterised by a significant surge in criminal activity.

“The Festive Season is characterised by specific dynamics, ranging from alcohol and drug abuse to more serious violent and organised crimes. Areas of particular concern include the wellbeing and safety of citizens, the safeguarding of South Africa’s territorial integrity, combating of illicit economy and the maintenance of the authority of the state,” Masemola said.

For the 2025/2026 period, the police are focussing on ten key areas: gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF); aggravated robberies; border security; the illicit economy and serious organised crime; firearms, liquor and second-hand goods; bylaws, urban decay and hijacked buildings; road safety and traffic law enforcement; event security (including SASREA and G20); tourism safety and protection of economic hubs; and extortion and kidnapping related crimes.

Safer Festive Season operations are already bearing fruit. The SAPS reported that between 20 and 26 October, 16 339 suspects were arrested and 158 unlicensed firearms confiscated. These operations were carried out in parallel with crime-fighting initiative Operation Shanela II.