The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched its 2026/2027 Operation Safer Festive Season in Kabokweni, Mpumalanga, stepping up efforts to fight crime and improve public safety ahead of the busy festive period.
The launch, held at Kabokweni Stadium on Monday, 12 October, puts the spotlight on decisive police action and stronger community involvement in the fight against crime.
The launch was led by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, alongside Deputy Ministers of Police Dr Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale. Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane was also part of the launch and was expected to hand over the festive season operational plan to the minister.
During the launch, various specialised police units demonstrated how they respond to different criminal activities. The Tactical Response Team, popularly known as Amabherethe, showcased how specially trained officers carry out operations against suspects linked to ATM bombings.
Public Order Policing also demonstrated its crowd-management skills, including how officers handle protests, while the K9 unit showed how trained police dogs assist officers in detecting items that could help in criminal investigations.
The operation aims to strengthen crime prevention and ensure that communities are safer during the festive season, when increased travel, shopping and public gatherings can create additional security challenges.
SAPS is calling for decisive policing and active community involvement, reminding the public that fighting crime is a shared responsibility.
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