Gauteng police boost crime-fighting capacity with 151 new vehicles
The new vehicles will support various SAPS units as law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to combat crime during the festive season.
The SAPS has launched its 2026/2027 Gauteng Safer Festive Season Operations in Kempton Park with 151 new vehicles.
The vehicles are to strengthen law enforcement capacity and improve police visibility ahead of the festive season.
The launch took place in Kempton Park on October 20, led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, with MEC for Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Jacob Mamabolo representing the Gauteng Premier.
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This year’s theme is ‘Combating Crime Through Decisive Police Action and Robust Community Involvement’.
The operations will continue until the end of January 2027, with law enforcement agencies expected to intensify efforts to prevent and combat crime during the busy holiday period.
Delivering the keynote address, Mamabolo warned that lawlessness and criminal activities would not be tolerated, emphasising the importance of coordinated efforts by law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
The launch also saw Mamabolo, Mthombeni and Community Safety Portfolio Committee chairperson Dr Bandile Masuku hand over 151 marked and unmarked police vehicles.
The vehicles will be deployed to various SAPS units, including Visible Policing, the Tactical Response Team, detectives and units dealing with gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). As part of the operational preparations, a member of the Special Task Force handed over the festive season operational plan to Mthombeni.
The launch brought together several law enforcement and government representatives, including EMPDepartment chief Isaac Mapiyeye and his team, Tshwane Metro Police chief Yolande Faro, Community Policing Board representatives, National Liquor Traders Council representative Lucky Ntimane, Tshwane Community Safety MMC Alderman Hannes Coetzee, deputy provincial commissioners, district commissioners and other government stakeholders.
Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing Major General Fred Kekana delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging community members who attended the launch and thanking stakeholders for their continued contribution to policing and crime prevention.
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“The festive season is traditionally a period of increased travel, social gatherings and family holidays. However, these activities can also create opportunities for criminals to target homes, businesses and members of the public,” said Kekana.
SAPS has indicated that police visibility and operational activities will be intensified in urban and rural areas, with a focus on preventing and combating serious and violent crime, maintaining public order and protecting communities.
The fight against gender-based violence and femicide will also remain a priority, with law enforcement agencies expected to continue efforts to protect women and children from abuse and violence.
Meanwhile, the SAPS has announced a nationwide recruitment drive for 5 500 police trainees for the 2026/2027 financial year, inviting eligible young South Africans to apply for entry-level policing positions. Online applications opened on October 21 and will close on November 13.
Applicants must be aged 18 to under 35, have no criminal records or pending criminal cases, and meet the prescribed recruitment requirements.
Applications must be submitted through the official SAPS eRecruitment portal at https://www.erecruitment.saps.gov.za/. Prospective applicants must create a profile, verify their accounts using a code sent to their email addresses and follow the online application process.
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SAPS is also seeking suitably qualified applicants with backgrounds in Law, Policing, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Forensic Investigation and Information Technology for consideration in specialised policing environments.
These may include the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, Detective and Forensic Services, and Crime Intelligence.
All applicants will undergo a selection process that includes physical fitness assessments, psychometric and integrity testing, a medical evaluation and an interview. Successful recruits with relevant qualifications at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6 or higher will undergo six months of training at a SAPS academy, while those without such qualifications will complete the standard nine-month programme.
Trainees will receive a monthly stipend of R5 000 during training. SAPS has cautioned applicants that recruitment is free of charge and that no police trainee position is for sale.
Applicants are urged to remain alert to fraudsters who demand money in exchange for employment or promise to influence the recruitment process. With festive season operations underway and recruitment open to prospective officers, SAPS has called for cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities to help create a safer environment for everyone during the holiday period.
