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SAPS boosts protection against gender-based violence this festive season
Every festive season in South Africa brings the promise of celebration. Families reconnect, city streets fill with shoppers, and communities look forward to a break from routine. Yet, for far too many women and children, this time is marked by fear instead of joy. Gender-based violence and femicide spike dramatically during the holidays. Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia says the South African Police Service is determined to change that.
A plan built around prevention and visible policing
Responding to questions in Parliament, Cachalia shared that SAPS has intensified crime-fighting operations nationwide. The ongoing Operation Safer Festive Season forms a key element of the National Crime Combating Forum’s wider initiative known as Operation Shanela II. The central focus: high-risk communities where contact crimes, substance abuse, and domestic violence tend to rise in December.
By increasing police visibility in hotspots, authorities hope to disrupt violence before it begins. Officers will be more active at night, near liquor outlets, and in areas where assaults have historically soared.
GBV and femicide: often hidden behind closed doors
Cachalia cautioned that gender-based abuse usually happens away from the public eye. Many cases unfold in private homes long before they ever reach a police station. That is why the SAPS has developed and is implementing a dedicated Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Action Plan. The strategy seeks to strengthen prevention efforts, improve victim support, and ensure cases are properly monitored through the justice system.
In addition to policing, SAPS is partnering with Social Development, Health, NGOs, and community stakeholders. Together, they aim to break the silence that keeps abuse hidden and help survivors find support more quickly.
Holding officers accountable and supporting their well-being
Part of the fight begins inside SAPS itself. Awareness programmes and internal policies remind officers of the responsibility they carry. There are also support services available for members who experience abuse or trauma at home. The aim is to nurture a policing culture that protects victims rather than turning a blind eye.
Tackling illegal alcohol trade
Alcohol misuse is a major driver of domestic violence. For that reason, police operations will specifically target illegal liquor outlets and clamp down on the unlawful distribution of alcohol. Shebeen closures and compliance inspections are intended to reduce violent incidents linked to heavy drinking during the holidays.
Communities remain central to the solution
The festive season also aligns with the international 16 Days of Activism campaign. SAPS will continue door-to-door visits, safety education in neighbourhoods and outreach with survivors. It is a reminder that preventing GBV is a collective effort, not simply a law enforcement challenge.
Social media users have increasingly demanded accountability from authorities. Many say they want to see results that go beyond high-visibility operations. South Africans want safer homes and justice for victims. Cachalia acknowledged this pressure and confirmed that SAPS will not step back once the holidays end.
Justice beyond December
The final phase of Operation Safer Festive Season will push for stronger investigations and the conclusion of cases opened during the period. The goal is clear. Perpetrators must not be allowed to disappear into the crowd once January arrives.
South Africans deserve a festive season where every celebration feels safe. By combining policing, prevention, and community partnerships, the country moves one step closer to ending the shadow of abuse that too often darkens the holidays.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Polity.org.za
