By: The Youth Voice Reporter
Pretoria- The South African Police Service (SAPS) has recorded major successes in its nationwide crime-fighting operations, arresting 16,692 suspects and confiscating large quantities of alcohol, illegal firearms and contraband goods within just one week.Between 22 and 28 December 2025, police arrested 1,603 suspects for drunk driving, seized more than 632,000 litres of alcohol, and confiscated 134 unlicensed firearms as part of Operation Safer Festive Season, conducted alongside Operation Shanela.Alcohol-related offences remain a key driver of violent crime during the festive season.
SAPS intensified roadblocks, compliance inspections and liquor enforcement operations, leading to:1,603 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs963 arrests for illegal liquor trading632,010 litres of alcohol confiscated across several provinces
Beyond alcohol-related offences, police made significant inroads against violent and organised crime, arresting:1,152 wanted suspects for serious crimes including murder, rape, robbery, carjacking and illegal firearm possession165 suspects for murder (Eastern Cape 46, KwaZulu-Natal 30, Free State 20)118 suspects for rape1,445 suspects for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH)104 suspects for illegal possession of firearms (KwaZulu-Natal 46, Mpumalanga 22)220 suspects for drug dealing51 suspects for residential and business robberies
Firearms, ammunition and contraband seizedSAPS also reported major confiscations and recoveries during the week, including:134 firearms, including handguns and rifles1,513 rounds of ammunitionMore than R5 million worth of contraband goods, mainly seized in Gauteng810 units of abaloneCopper worth over R200,0003,990 tobacco products46 hijacked and stolen vehicles, including trucks, trailers, motorcycles, sedans and SUV
Gauteng: Police arrested two suspects linked to the murder of DJ Warras in Soweto and eleven suspects connected to the Bekkersdal tavern mass shooting that claimed ten lives. In Saulsville, one suspect was arrested in a separate mass shooting incident where twelve people were killed, with a manhunt underway for two more suspects.Mpumalanga: Eight suspects aged between 29 and 51 were arrested in Vosman following an intelligence-led operation.
Police seized five AK-47 rifles, explosives and three stolen vehicles linked to crimes across Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape.Western Cape: Anti-Gang Unit detectives arrested three suspects in Manenberg, Athlone and Mitchell’s Plain for murders and attempted murders linked to gang violence. SAPS deployments in the province have been strengthened with 450 newly trained constables to intensify anti-gang operations.
North West: A multidisciplinary illegal mining operation in Kroondal, Rustenburg led to the seizure of 20 excavators, two trucks and two light delivery vehicles, disrupting illegal mining activities. In Morokweng village, two suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition traced to lawful or deceased owners.
KwaZulu-Natal: Three suspected hitmen aged between 25 and 26 were arrested in KwaDabeka. Police seized five unlicensed pistols and 24 rounds of ammunition. The suspects are linked to armed robberies in Clermont and KwaMashu.National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said SAPS will continue to intensify operations to ensure safer communities during the festive season.“The festive season must be a time of joy, not tragedy. The SAPS will not allow reckless alcohol abuse, illegal trade or violent crime to rob our communities of peace.
These arrests and confiscations send a clear message: lawlessness has no place in South Africa,” said General Masemola.He added that police remain committed to protecting lives, restoring order and ensuring that South Africans can celebrate the festive season safely.