Published – 15:37, December 19, 2025
By Thabelo Ramulifho
PRETORIA, GAUTENG – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has delivered a powerful message of safety and commitment to the people of Gauteng, announcing a massive crackdown on serious and violent crime that has resulted in the arrest of over 26,000 suspects since the launch of the Safer Festive Season operations on October 13, 2025. The announcement was made during a key oversight visit to the province by General Fannie Masemola, who emphasized the national police force’s dedication to ensuring a secure holiday period. General Masemola stated that the primary goal of the heightened operations is to “get a grip on serious and violent crime” and ensure that all residents “are and feel safe and their properties are protected” during the festive season and beyond.
The oversight visits are a direct result of a decision to ensure the effectiveness of various policing interventions and strategies being employed across the country. The operational statistics for Gauteng alone demonstrate the intensity of the police’s efforts. Since the start of the festive season operations, a total of 26,744 suspects have been apprehended for a range of serious offenses, including murder, hijackings, and kidnappings.
Furthermore, the police have successfully removed a significant number of illegal items from the streets, directly impacting the capacity of criminal elements in the province. Suspects Arrested in Gauteng are 26,744 for various crimes including murder, hijackings, and kidnappings. Illegal Firearms Seized.
Vehicles recovered are 141, stolen or hijacked vehicles .Illegal Taverns/Shebeens Shut Down -3,665 establishments operating outside the law. Liquor Suspects arrested 6,641 for selling liquor illegally. The crackdown on illegal liquor sales is a significant component of the strategy, with 3,665 illegal taverns and shebeens shut down and 6,641 suspects arrested for selling liquor illegally. This intervention is aimed at reducing the associated social harms and crime often linked to such unlicensed establishments.
He confirmed receiving updates on cases such as the Saulsville shooting, the murder of Marius Van Der Merwe, and the killing of DJ Warras, assuring the public that police are “on the right track “. “It’s a matter of time, before police take down those responsible for these murders,” the General stated, underscoring the police’s unwavering resolve to bring perpetrators to justice .
The General also issued a strong directive to law enforcement officers, urging them to utilize the tools provided to defend themselves and the communities they serve. He encouraged officers to “not hesitate to act” when defending citizens, while always remembering to “act within the confines of the law”. Major Resource Injection for GautengIn a tangible demonstration of commitment, the oversight visit culminated in the handover of 162 newly purchased vehicles to the SAPS in Gauteng. These vehicles are being distributed to various stations, including Alexandra, Diepsloot, Eldorado Park, Midrand, Tembisa, and Atteridgeville, among others, to enhance visible policing and rapid response capabilities.
In addition to the vehicle boost, the province’s human resources have been significantly bolstered. Since February 2025, 1,125 newly trained Constables have been deployed to Gauteng to strengthen crime combatting efforts. General Masemola affirmed that the province will continue to be prioritized for “capacitation and resourcing of stations” . The General concluded by urging the public to “work closely with all law enforcement agencies.