Picture: SAPS members during the launch of the Provincial Safer Festive Season Operations/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
26 October 2026 – As the festive season approaches, the South African Government is intensifying efforts to prevent crime and ensure the safety and security of communities, visitors and holidaymakers through Safer Festive Season Operations, coordinated under the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster. On 23 October 2026, the Divisional Commissioner of Legal Services, Lieutenant General (Adv) Simemosenkosi Wiseman Chamane, presented an overview of the 2026/2027 Safer Festive Season Operations, outlining the operational priorities and strategies aimed at enhancing public safety during the Safer Festive Season launch.
The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said against this background, the Deputy Minister of Police, Dr Polly Boshielo, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Virginia Tlhapi and the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, officially launched the Provincial Safer Festive Season Operations for 2026/2027 at Lehurutshe Sportsground in Zeerust. Bobelo said the operations already commenced on 1 October 2026 and will continue until 31 January 2027.
“The operations will focus on increased police visibility, intensified crime prevention operations, compliance inspections at liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers and targeted interventions to address serious and violent crimes.
“These crimes include murder, rape, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), aggravated robbery, car hijacking and the proliferation of illegal firearms,” he said.
Bobelo further said the operations also include roadblocks, stop-and-searches and border security operations aimed at preventing crime, enforcing the law and ensuring the safety of all road users during the festive season. He added that in her address, Boshielo emphasised the importance of integrated law enforcement operations and strong community partnerships in preventing crime and ensuring a safe and secure festive season for all.
“Tlhapi reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies and called on communities to work closely with the police and other stakeholders in the fight against crime,” said Bobelo.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams assured residents and visitors that the police in the North West are ready to implement measures to safeguard communities throughout the festive period. Adams warned criminals that law enforcement agencies would maintain a strong presence across the province and take decisive action against those involved in criminal activities.
“Furthermore, we call on members of the public to remain vigilant, report criminal activities and work with law enforcement agencies to ensure a safer festive season for everyone. During the launch, the North West Community Police Forum (CPF) demonstrated the spirit of Ubuntu by joining hands to improve the living conditions of a vulnerable community member.
“The initiative saw 13 men and three women come together to build a two-roomed house for Joseph Mosiane (60), who had been living in a mud house. The project was made possible through donations from various business owners, demonstrating the positive impact of community partnerships in restoring dignity and improving the lives of those in need,” he said.
The Community Police Forum (CPF) Provincial Board Chairperson, Robert Malungane emphasised that community participation goes beyond fighting crime. Malungane said it also involves identifying social challenges, supporting vulnerable members of society and strengthening relationships between communities and the police.
