By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
12 October 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) will on Monday launch its National Safer Festive Season Operations in the Ehlanzeni District in Mpumalanga as part of efforts to strengthen crime prevention and ensure the safety and security of communities during the upcoming festive season.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the national launch would be led by the acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, alongside the Deputy Ministers of Police, Dr Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale.
“The launch of the National Safer Festive Season Operations forms part of intensified policing efforts aimed at increasing police visibility, preventing and combating crime, and ensuring the safety and security of communities during the festive season,” said Mathe.
The acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane will present and formally hand over the SAPS Safer Festive Season Operational Plan to Cachalia during the launch. Dimpane said the national launch will be preceded by a series of build-up activities aimed at strengthening policing operations and raising awareness about crime prevention and community safety.
“The first phase will involve a social responsibility project at Khutsalani Secondary School, Stand 1202, in Kabokweni, scheduled to begin at 7:15am.
The second phase, comprising an operational parade and the official national launch, will take place at Kabokweni Stadium in the Ehlanzeni District at 10am.
“The operations would focus on enhancing police visibility and ensuring that law enforcement agencies were prepared to respond effectively to crime during the festive season,” she said.
