The South African Police Service (SAPS), led by acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia, officially launched the Safer Festive Season operations on Tuesday at the Dr Rantlai Petrus Molemela Stadium.
During the launch, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola handed over the plan to the minister, outlining SAPS’s approach to ensuring public safety from October until January 2026.
Masemola said the operation aims to intensify crime prevention efforts across the country. “We are launching this operation because it’s that time of year when people go on holiday – a period often marked by excessive alcohol consumption, substance abuse, and parties. We call upon society to work with us to ensure that enjoyment does not end in sorrow.”
The commissioner condemned the recent attack on two police officers in Kimberley. “This is not what we want to see moving forward, where police who are there to serve you are being attacked by the community they are there to protect.”
He urged the public to work with the police during the holidays. “We will always be there to make sure we fight crime with you; let’s take this festive season like any other and look after ourselves and our families.”
Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae commended police efforts. “I implore all law enforcement to hunt down criminals, confiscate illegal weapons and drugs, and reclaim our streets.”
She described the province as “the beating heart of the nation” and a corridor connecting six provinces, calling for road safety to remain a top priority. “Our campaign must be fought on two fronts; against crime in our communities, and against carnage on our roads.”
Cachalia said the success of the operation depends on collaboration among all law enforcement agencies. “While we are enjoying the festive season, the law enforcement agencies will be busy protecting and defending us. We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude.”
He warned of increased crime and road deaths during the festive period. “We see carnage on our roads… so South African law enforcement agencies must launch this initiative every year to ensure that our people are safe, crime is reduced, and that you can enjoy yourselves during the festive season.”
Cachalia added: “Across the country, crime remains stubbornly high… but we don’t have to be victims; we can take responsibility, be active in our communities and work with police to improve safety.”
Warren Hawkins
warren@mahareng.co.za
 has launched its Safer Festive Season operations at Dr Rantlai Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, with acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and General Fannie Masemola emphasising collaboration, road safety, and intensified crime prevention across the country.){kind=link}