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.

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The campaign, running alongside Operation Shanela II, has led to the confiscation of 158 unlicensed firearms across the country.

The operations were carried out from 20 – 26 October 2025.

“Police tracing operations are also key initiatives, leading to arrest of 2 713 wanted individuals linked to serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual offences, illegal possession of firearms, car hijackings and various forms of robbery,” the police said in a statement.

Key arrest include:

90 suspects were arrested for murder. The Eastern Cape recorded the highest number of arrests (23), followed by Gauteng (21).
102 attempted murder suspects were arrested across the country.
227 suspects were arrested for rape, with the majority of arrests in KwaZulu-Natal (80), followed by Gauteng (49).
292 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs, with the Western Cape recording the highest number of arrests (78), followed by KwaZulu-Natal (63), Eastern Cape (44) and Gauteng (40).
2 001 suspects were arrested for possession of drugs, with the majority of arrests in the Western Cape (976), followed by KwaZulu-Natal (381), Gauteng (262) and Eastern Cape (184).
132 suspects were apprehended for illegal possession of unlicensed firearms.
866 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
1 464 suspects were arrested for assault grievous bodily harm.
734 were arrested for illegal liquor trade.

Major seizures and recoveries

1 917 rounds of ammunition were seized during this period.
724 dangerous weapons were recovered.
25 964 litres of alcohol seized.
Contraband in goods, worth more than R29.6 million, were confiscated.
65 stolen vehicles were recovered.

Highlights of Operation Shanela II takedowns conducted across various provinces:

National: Police seized illegally imported cell phones, mainly Apple iPhone, Samsung gadgets, and cell phone accessories worth more than R17 million, including two-way radios. A police investigation is still underway.
Gauteng: Three suspected kidnappers were shot and killed in a shootout with police in Parktown. The suspects were allegedly involved in the kidnapping of a Chinese national in June 2025 and recently attempted to kidnap another businessman in Gauteng. Police also seized two unlicensed firearms.
– Six illegal miners were arrested at Protea Mine, Magaliesberg. Police seized four rifles, 343 rounds of ammunition, mining equipment including generators, jackhammers, detonation cords with blasting caps, and power gel.
– Police also arrested one of the suspects wanted in connection with the tavern shooting incident that left five people dead in Bronkhorstspruit. He is facing five counts of murder and six counts of attempted murder.

Free State: Police, in collaboration with the Traffic Department and Mangaung Law Enforcement members, arrested two suspects in connection with possession and manufacturing of fraudulent official documents. The team seized fraudulent materials, including completed application forms for driver’s licences, numerous temporary driver’s licences, and vehicle licence discs.

KwaZulu-Natal: Two suspects, aged between 27 and 30 years, were killed in a shootout with the police at Glebelands Hostel on 20 October 2025. The shooting incident occurred when police were searching for a suspect in connection with a hijacking case. Two unlicensed firearms and six rounds of ammunition were seized.
– In a separate operation at Mbumbulu, police seized three AK 47 assault rifles, one rifle, one pistol and 93 rounds of ammunition.

Western Cape: The Western Cape Provincial Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Policing Team and partners confiscated a large consignment of counterfeit clothing, footwear and accessories bearing trademarks, worth R8 million.

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