Northern cape: The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has recorded significant operational successes during the 2025/2026 Festive Season Operation, resulting in the arrest of 4,178 perpetrators for serious and priority crimes. The operation aimed to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors across the province.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Festive Season Operation, which ran from 1 October 2025 to 31 January 2026, focused on intensified crime prevention, visible policing, road safety enforcement, coordinated multi-disciplinary operations, and awareness campaigns across all five districts in the province. Through the dedication and commitment of SAPS members, supported by law enforcement partners and community policing structures, the suspects were arrested for crimes including murder, attempted murder, robbery, rape, sexual assault, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, burglary, and drug-related crime.
Detectives throughout the province conducted tracing operations and apprehended several wanted suspects in connection with serious crimes such as rape, burglary, armed robbery, and hijacking. Police operations also resulted in the confiscation of 183 illegal firearms and ammunition, 1,663 dangerous weapons, and a substantial amount of drugs and alcohol. Copper cable, counterfeit goods, illicit cigarettes, livestock, tools, and electronic equipment were seized.
Actions included roadblocks, stop-and-search operations, vehicle checkpoints, and increased police presence in identified crime hotspots. In total, 145,089 persons and 69,553 vehicles were stopped and searched. Compliance inspections were conducted at firearm dealers, liquor outlets, recyclers, second-hand goods dealers, and scrap metal dealers, leading to the closure of 225 unlicensed liquor premises.
During high visibility patrols, law enforcement conducted visits to ATMs, banks, shopping malls, tuck shops, farms, filling stations, holiday resorts, taxi ranks, and mining areas. Road safety operations led to thousands of vehicle checks, removal of unroadworthy vehicles, and arrest of 86 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol. Approximately 6,000 fines were issued for traffic violations.
As the new academic year started, various Back-to-School campaigns were held to ensure the safety and security of learners, educators, and students at schools and learning institutions. The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded SAPS members for their tireless efforts, unwavering commitment, and professionalism throughout the festive season.
'The success of this operation is a direct result of teamwork, dedication, and the strong partnership between the police, other law enforcement agencies, and our communities. We remain firm and committed to sustaining this momentum to ensure safer communities beyond the festive period,' said Otola. The police also commended the public for their cooperation and adherence to the law, which contributed significantly to the operation's success.
The SAPS reiterated its commitment to proactive policing and crime prevention initiatives to ensure the safety and security of all residents in the Northern Cape.