SAPS reports over 236,000 arrests during festive season operations
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested a total of 236,887 suspects during its nationwide festive season operations, National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola (SOEG) announced in Pretoria on Friday.
Addressing a briefing at Tshidimosetso House, Masemola praised the dedication of SAPS members who worked “day and night” from October 2025 through January 2026 to safeguard communities across all nine provinces.
“Since the official launch of these operations in October last year, SAPS members have worked tirelessly, deploying decisive crime prevention, crime combating, and crime investigation actions,” Masemola said.
“Their unwavering commitment ensured that all people who live in South Africa could travel, worship, celebrate and conduct business with a greater sense of safety and confidence during one of the busiest periods of the year.”
The nationwide operations included 7,726 high-density deployments, with 116,434 premises searched, 4,854 roadblocks, and 673,235 high-visibility patrols conducted. Liquor inspections also featured prominently, with 106,715 liquor premises checked, and 7,682 unlicensed establishments shut down.
A breakdown of arrests shows:
- 4,029 suspects for murder and attempted murder
- 2,693 suspects for rape and attempted rape
- 33,397 suspects for drug possession
- 4,281 drug dealers arrested
- 15,075 drunken drivers apprehended
- 2,498 suspects arrested for selling alcohol without a valid license
Masemola highlighted that the operations also focused on seizing illegal firearms. More than 2,000 firearms were confiscated nationwide, with KwaZulu-Natal recovering the highest number at 753, followed by the Western Cape, 607, and the Eastern Cape, 343.
The festive season operations also contributed to convictions, with 2,738 accused persons sentenced to prison, including 199 to life imprisonment and 15 to 40 years or more.
Beyond crime-fighting, Masemola said the operations aimed to build community trust and strengthen business confidence.
“These operations were not only about enforcing the law, but about restoring calm, strengthening community trust, and contributing to a stable environment in which economic activity and investment can thrive,” he said.
Masemola provided an update on the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. He said a dedicated task team has been established to investigate SAPS members implicated in misconduct.
Two senior officers have already been suspended, and four others are facing possible suspension.
“We cannot at this stage mention names, as the cases are still under investigation. All affected members have received notices of investigation into their alleged misconduct,” he said.
The Commissioner also noted ongoing work in high-profile investigations, including the murder of Witness D and the recent attack on Wiandre Pretorius.
He added that SAPS is working in coordination with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure fast-tracked, prosecutorial-guided investigations.
Masemola reaffirmed the SAPS’s commitment to its constitutional mandate.
“Our focus remains clear and undiluted, to serve and protect the people of South Africa.”
IOL News