Law enforcement agencies have significantly intensified Operation Safer Festive Season across the Ehlanzeni District, resulting in a surge in arrests as authorities move to curb a spike in holiday-related crime.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, the district has emerged as the province’s most active area for law enforcement interventions.

Mdhluli said that between December 23 and 29, co-ordinated operations in known crime hotspots led to dozens of arrests, signalling a zero-tolerance approach to illegal activities during the busy year-end period.

The crackdown

The latest phase of the crackdown, conducted over the post-Christmas weekend, saw 10 suspects aged between 26 and 40 arrested.

Operations targeted key areas including Bushbuckridge, Mhala, Barberton, Masoyi, Pienaar, KaNyamazane and Komatipoort.

According to police reports, the suspects face charges including:

* Illegal immigration
* Selling and possession of illicit liquor
* Possession of illicit cigarettes
* Possession of gold-bearing material.

“In addition to the arrests, officials issued three fines for violations of the Mpumalanga Liquor Act, targeting establishments and individuals operating outside the legal framework,” Mdhluli said.

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He added that a further 11 suspects were arrested between December 23 and 25, reinforcing Ehlanzeni’s status as a primary focus for police operations in the province.

Road safety a priority

Road safety also remained a priority, with seven fines issued for violations of the National Road Traffic Act during the same period.

Mdhluli confirmed that drunk driving remains a top priority for the remainder of the festive season.

“With New Year’s celebrations approaching, the public can expect intensified roadblocks on major routes, increased patrols in residential and nightlife areas, and strict enforcement of traffic laws to reduce the high rate of festive-season crashes and fatalities,” he said.

Mdhluli urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant and law-abiding, noting that heightened police visibility will continue into the first week of January 2026.

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