SAPS' Safer Festive Season Operation results in more than 16k arrests

The South Africa Police Service (SAPS)'s Safer Festive Season Operation is in full swing countrywide, as more than 2,600 wanted suspects for serious and violent crimes including murder, attempted murder, and rape have been arrested in the past week.

Police said they have also arrested more than 1,000 people for selling alcohol illegally and confiscated 25,000 litres of alcohol in the process.

Police spokesperson Vincent Mukhathi said 771 drunk drivers were also arrested during this period.

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He added that two Mozambican foreign nationals were also nabbed after police recovered two firearms stolen from officers who were shot and killed in Ivory Park last week.

Seizures included a SAPS-issued R5 rifle and one pistol.

"The SAPS remains resolute in fighting crime and asserting state authority during the festive season through its intensified nationwide Safer Festive Season Operation, running alongside Operation Shanela II resulted in the arrest of 16,817 suspects from 1 to 7 December 2025."