Pretoria: The South African Police Service (SAPS) Safer Festive Season operations have resulted in the arrest of 16,339 suspects, as part of a concerted effort to enhance public safety. These operations, running in conjunction with Operation Shanela II, also led to the confiscation of 158 unlicensed firearms across the nation between October 20 and October 26, 2025.
According to South African Government News Agency, the police statement highlighted that tracing operations were instrumental in apprehending 2,713 wanted individuals linked to serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual offenses, illegal possession of firearms, car hijackings, and various forms of robbery. Notably, 90 suspects were arrested for murder, with the Eastern Cape recording the highest number of arrests at 23, followed by Gauteng with 21.
In addition to these arrests, 102 suspects were apprehended for attempted murder, while 227 were detained on charges of rape, with KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng seeing the most arrests at 80 and 49, respectively. Drug-related offenses also saw significant numbers, with 292 suspects arrested for dealing in drugs and 2,001 for possession. The Western Cape led in drug possession arrests with 976 individuals detained.
The operations further targeted illegal firearm possession, resulting in 132 arrests, while 866 individuals were caught driving under the influence. Assaults leading to grievous bodily harm accounted for 1,464 arrests, and 734 individuals were detained for illegal liquor trading. Major seizures included 1,917 rounds of ammunition, 724 dangerous weapons, and 25,964 liters of alcohol, alongside contraband goods valued at over R29.6 million. Additionally, 65 stolen vehicles were recovered.
Operation Shanela II made significant strides with notable takedowns across provinces. In Gauteng, a confrontation with suspected kidnappers resulted in three fatalities and the recovery of two unlicensed firearms. Police also disrupted illegal mining activities in Magaliesberg, seizing firearms, ammunition, and mining equipment. Meanwhile, a suspect linked to a Bronkhorstspruit tavern shooting was arrested, facing multiple murder and attempted murder charges.
In the Free State, law enforcement collaborated to arrest two individuals involved in manufacturing fraudulent documents, seizing materials used for creating fake driver’s licenses and vehicle license discs. In KwaZulu-Natal, two suspects were killed in a shootout during a hijacking investigation, with the recovery of firearms and ammunition. Another operation in Mbumbulu led to the seizure of several assault rifles and ammunition.
The Western Cape saw a significant confiscation of counterfeit goods, valued at R8 million, by the Provincial Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Policing Team. These operations reflect SAPS’s ongoing efforts to ensure a safer festive season for all South Africans.