Over 16 000 arrests made in festive crime crackdown

THE South African Police Service say that more than 16 000 suspects were arrested across Mzansi in their festive season crime crackdown.

According to SAPS, 16 044 verdagtes were vasgevat between 29 December 2025 and 4 January 2026 during nationwide Shanela II operations, with a strong focus on alcohol-related offences, serious violent crime, and the recovery of illegal firearms.

Police said 939 suspects were arrested for illegally dealing in liquor, while 1,816 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

In addition, 30 043 litres of alcohol were confiscated nationwide

According to SAPS, “these actions underscore SAPS’s determination to protect communities from the devastating impact of alcohol, which fuels crime and reckless behaviour within our communities.”

The operation also resulted in the arrest of suspects linked to serious crimes, including 135 for murder, 181 for rape, 87 for aggravated robbery, and 81 for illegal possession of firearms.

Police further arrested 997 suspects for contravening the Immigration Act, while 1 888 wanted suspects were traced and arrested for offences ranging from robberies and hijackings to sexual offences and firearm-related crimes.

Significant recoveries were made during the nationwide sweep.

SAPS reported the seizure of “113 firearms recovered, including handguns, rifles, homemade weapons, and shotguns,” along with “1,278 rounds of ammunition” and “325 explosives confiscated.” Police also confirmed that “32 hijacked and stolen vehicles [were] recovered in the past week.”

In the Western Cape, the Anti-Gang Unit arrested three suspects in Manenberg, Athlone, and Mitchells Plain. 

Police said the suspects “face charges of murder, attempted murder, illegal firearm possession, and contraventions of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act,” with the arrests linked to shootings dating back to 2017 and 2025, including the Athlone court killing in December.

Meanwhile, during the same period, Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services made 88 arrests, of which 65 were for driving under the influence of alcohol. 

More than 350 speeding offences were recorded, with the highest speed clocked at 171 km/h in a 120 km/h zone.

To curb dangerous behaviour and promote safer travel, 180 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed control operations were implemented across the region. 

Over 36 000 vehicles were stopped and checked, resulting in over 9 000 fines being issued for various traffic violations, including driver and vehicle fitness offences.