More than 16 000 suspects were arrested and hundreds of illegal weapons seized during a week-long nationwide police operation.
Image: File
More than 16 000 suspects were arrested and hundreds of illegal weapons seized during a week-long nationwide police operation as the South African Police Service (SAPS) intensified its Safer Festive Season efforts ahead of the December holidays.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi says, 16 066 suspects were arrested between November 17 and 23, 2025, as part of the Safer Festive Season Operation, running alongside Operation Shanela II.
“The SAPS continues to register commendable progress in the fight against crime through its nationwide Safer Festive Season Operation,” Mukhathi said, noting that the strategy is aimed at “ensuring safety and security ahead of the festive season”.
Among those arrested were 1 870 wanted suspects linked to serious and violent crimes, including murder, rape, car hijackings, house and business robberies, and drug trafficking.
Police reported that 143 suspects were arrested for murder, with Gauteng recording the highest number of arrests, 38, followed by KwaZulu-Natal, 26, and the Eastern Cape, 25.
A further 178 suspects were arrested for rape, with the majority of arrests in KwaZulu-Natal, 39, followed by the Eastern Cape, 25. Arrests also included 170 for attempted murder and 1 534 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Drug-related crimes featured prominently, with 2 778 suspects arrested for possession of drugs. The Western Cape accounted for the bulk of these arrests 1 649, followed by KwaZulu-Natal, 390, and Gauteng, 287. Another 283 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs.
Police also arrested 99 suspects for illegal possession of firearms, 600 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 890 for illegal liquor trading, and 449 for possession of dangerous weapons.
Significant seizures were made during the same period, including 150 unlicensed firearms, 1 818 rounds of ammunition, and 984 dangerous weapons. Police also recovered 61 stolen and hijacked vehicles, while contraband goods worth more than R4 million were seized nationwide.
High-profile takedowns
Several major operations were highlighted across the provinces.
In the North West, four suspects were arrested following the kidnapping and robbery of a businessman at Madibeng Hills, Klipgat. Police recovered electronic equipment and an iPhone during the operation.
In Gauteng, officers recovered a hijacked Freightliner truck transporting medicine valued at R2.5 million in Olievenhoutbosch, Tshwane, leading to the arrest of one suspect. The province’s Counterfeit Unit also seized counterfeit and illicit goods worth R1.8 million in joint operations with brand protectors.
In the Western Cape, four armed suspects travelling in a Toyota Hilux were arrested in Mitchells Plain on 19 November. One suspect was fatally wounded during a shoot-out with police, and an AK-47 rifle and two pistols were seized at the scene.
In the Free State, police arrested a wanted suspect linked to the murder of a 73-year-old woman who was killed after collecting her pension money in December 2023.
“During the takedown at the toll plaza, a shootout ensued after one of the suspects pointing police with a firearm. Both suspects sustained injuries and arrested on the scene,” said Mukhathi.
Police also reported arrests linked to kidnapping, rape, vehicle-related crimes and abalone poaching in Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the Eastern Cape, underscoring what SAPS described as “intelligence-driven operations” supported by private-sector partnerships.
The SAPS said operations would continue as the festive season approaches, with a focus on violent crime, illegal firearms, drugs and organised criminal activity.
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