In a concerted effort to ensure a safe and peaceful start to 2026, the Joburg SAPS, alongside other law enforcement agencies, launched extensive operations across the province on New Year’s Eve.

The crackdown, which included Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, resulted in over 1 160 arrests for various crimes, including possession of unlicensed firearms, drunk driving, drug dealing, and possession of suspected stolen property.

The operations, led in Johannesburg by deputy national commissioner policing, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili and Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, involved simultaneous raids in all five districts of Gauteng. Joburg south and Ekurhuleni were focused on as high-crime areas.

Approximately 900 of the arrests were made by detectives tracking down wanted suspects for serious and violent crimes.

Police also conducted inspections at liquor outlets in Alberton and Alrode to enforce compliance with the Gauteng Liquor Act, given the link between liquor and contact crimes like murder, rape, and assault.

Nine liquor outlets were shut down for non-compliance as part of a zero-tolerance approach.

Mthombeni spoke about the operation.

“This year will be a year of zero tolerance for crime. Our strategy will be to keep police on site all across the province to tackle crime head-on,” said Lieutenant General Mthombeni.

The operations also saw a peaceful New Year’s Eve celebration in Hillbrow, an area often marred by recklessness and lawlessness during such events. Mthombeni praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and the community in making Gauteng safer.

The arrested suspects are set to appear in various magistrates’ courts from January 2.