TMPD Declares War on Crime This Festive Season: “Criminals Will Spend Christmas Behind Bars”

TMPD Declares War on Crime This Festive Season: “Criminals Will Spend Christmas Behind Bars”

The festive season may be a time of joy for most, but in Tshwane, the city’s law enforcement has made one thing clear for criminals, it will be a season spent behind bars.

With December around the corner, the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) has kicked off its Festive Season Safety Drive at the Eersterust Sports Grounds, promising a no-nonsense approach to crime, gender-based violence (GBV), and cross-border syndicates that thrive during the holiday period.

A Call for Safer Streets and Protected Women

The event, attended by City of Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya, opened with a solemn moment of silence for the two young women killed in the recent Mamelodi shooting, a tragedy that reignited outrage over South Africa’s ongoing battle with GBV.

Visibly moved, Moya condemned the senseless violence.

“Who shoots a 21-year-old and a 22-year-old? What kind of society are we becoming where men think they are entitled to women to the point of taking their lives?” she asked, drawing a strong reaction from the crowd.

Her words echoed a national frustration shared across social media this week, where users demanded stronger policing and community accountability in combating violence against women.

TMPD’s 10-Point Festive Crime Plan

TMPD Chief Commissioner Yolanda Faro laid out an ambitious 10-point plan aimed at clamping down on the city’s biggest festive crime threats. At the top of the list? Gender-based violence.

“When a woman or child is attacked, our 72-hour response plan will kick in immediately,” Faro announced.

But GBV isn’t the only focus. The TMPD will also be ramping up patrols around malls and business districts, anticipating a surge in theft and robberies as workers receive year-end bonuses.

“We know criminals will try to take advantage when people are shopping or leaving for holidays,” Faro said. “We’ll be there, at malls, highways, and hotspots.”

Cracking Down on Organised Crime and Border Smuggling

Faro warned that organised crime syndicates will not find safe passage through Tshwane this December. Roadblocks and intelligence-driven operations will target vehicles carrying illegal firearms, stolen goods, and drugs.

“We want the kingpins, not just the runners,” she declared. “Anyone bringing drugs or smuggled goods into our city will be met with the full force of the law.”

Although border control typically falls outside TMPD’s jurisdiction, Faro said collaboration with national authorities will ensure that vehicles entering from border posts are thoroughly searched for illicit goods and human trafficking victims.

Community Reaction and the Bigger Picture

Locals in Eersterust applauded the visible police presence, with many saying they hope it signals real change after years of rising festive season crime. On social media, Tshwane residents praised the city for prioritising safety though some voiced concern about consistent follow-through after previous campaigns faded by January.

For the TMPD, this campaign isn’t just another operation it’s a test of public confidence.

As Commissioner Faro put it:

“We’re ready for them. This year, criminals won’t have a festive season. They’ll have a jail cell.”

A Message to the City

With its tough rhetoric and emotionally charged appeal, Tshwane’s festive safety drive is more than just a law enforcement strategy, it’s a call to restore community trust in a city grappling with violence and fear.

This December, as lights go up and families prepare for the holidays, Tshwane’s message is clear: safety comes first, and crime has no place in the celebration.

{Source: The Citizen}

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