SAPS launches nationwide festive season crime crackdown ahead of holidays

South African police have launched a nationwide festive season crime-fighting operation, warning criminals that increased enforcement will target those seeking to exploit the busy holiday period.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) introduced its National Safer Festive Season 2026/2027 Operations at KwaBokweni Stadium in Mpumalanga on Monday, outlining plans to strengthen public safety, protect travellers and disrupt organised criminal networks.

Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane said the festive season should be a time of celebration rather than violence and criminal activity.

“The festive season must be a time of joy, not tragedy; togetherness, not violence; and economic opportunity, not exploitation by criminals,” Dimpane said.

The operation will run throughout the festive period, with police focusing on high-risk areas, major transport routes and popular tourism destinations.

Five priorities for festive season policing

Dimpane said the operation would follow a five-pillar strategy focused on high-density policing, serious and organised crime, road safety enforcement, protecting tourism destinations and public spaces, and strengthening partnerships with communities.

Senior police management will also conduct readiness assessments across provinces to evaluate operational plans, intelligence coordination and available resources.

The operation comes as SAPS prepares for increased security demands during the holiday period, alongside preparations for the local government elections scheduled for November 4.

Coastal areas and busy travel routes under focus

Police will pay particular attention to coastal provinces, popular holiday destinations, ports of entry and major transport corridors, where increased travel is expected.

Operations will target a range of criminal activities, including armed robberies, vehicle hijackings, illegal firearms, illicit liquor networks, human trafficking and smuggling.

SAPS also plans to strengthen interventions against gender-based violence and femicide during the festive season.

Dimpane said the objective was to ensure that people could travel, work, worship and celebrate safely.

Increased police presence at transport hubs

Travellers can expect a stronger police presence at major ports of entry, airports, railway stations, taxi ranks and key transport routes.

According to Dimpane, the operation will include efforts to strengthen border security, disrupt cross-border crime and protect tourists, businesses and other travellers.

She warned that police would respond decisively to criminal activity, while operating within the law.

“To those intending to exploit and disrupt the festive season, SAPS is prepared, our resources are mobilised, our partnerships are strengthened, and our members are ready to act decisively within the law,” she said.

Communities urged to help prevent crime

Deputy National Commissioner for Policing Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili said the launch marked the start of intensified operations, rather than the end of preparations.

He urged police commanders to ensure that plans translated into visible and effective policing on the ground.

Mosikili also called on communities to work with law enforcement by reporting crime, sharing information and helping protect vulnerable people.

“Report crime, share information with the police, protect the vulnerable and allow the law to take its course,” he said.

He added that police resources had been mobilised, intelligence structures were operational and partnerships had been strengthened.

The nationwide operation will continue throughout the 2026/2027 festive season, with SAPS aiming to improve public safety during one of the country’s busiest travel periods.

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Source: IOL