The South African Police Service has arrested 16 000 suspects nationwide during intensified Safer Festive Season operations, including 178 for rape and 143 for murder, between November 17 and 23.  

Police also seized 150 unlicensed firearms, 984 dangerous weapons, and contraband goods worth over R4 million.  

Major takedowns included hijacked trucks, counterfeit goods, and suspects involved in armed robberies and abalone poaching. 

The SAPS has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as the festive season approaches.  

SAPS Spokesperson Vincent Mukhathi says that SAPS is fighting against crime nationwide through its safer festive season operation running alongside operation shanela to ensure safety and security ahead of the festive season. 

#sapsHQ [NATIONWIDE SAFER FESTIVE SEASON OPERATION SHANELA II] The #SAPS continues to register commendable progress in the fight against crime through its nationwide #SaferFestiveSeason Operation, running alongside #OperationShanela II to ensure safety and security ahead of the… pic.twitter.com/H9tuXVqxhw

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) November 24, 2025

In the North West, police arrested 1 250 suspects for different crimes between November 17 and 23, 2025, and in the Free State 1 037 suspects were arrested, while Limppo made 792 arrests, recovered four firearms and suspects have already begun appearing before various magistrates’ courts across the province.

#sapsNW The police in the North West have, during the weekly integrated and multidisciplinary #SaferFestiveSeason #OperationShanela 2, asserted the authority of the state through the apprehension of 1 250 suspects for different crimes. The operations were conducted between 17 and… pic.twitter.com/nsv3BpfWhz

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) November 24, 2025

#sapsFS #PartnershipPolicing continues to yield success in The Free State as 1037 suspects were arrested in the past week during #OperationShanela to ensure a #SaferFestiveSeason. Stop and searches, increased detective tracing operations, vehicle checkpoints and compliance… pic.twitter.com/MqBiblCK80

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) November 24, 2025