Combating organised crime, gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, and human trafficking are among the priorities for police this festive season. 

This was announced at the launch of the Safer Festive Season Operations for 2026/2027 that was held in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, today (October 12). 
 
In a statement, acting national police commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said the launch was a decisive demonstration of operational readiness, institutional accountability and an unwavering commitment to public safety. 

Targeted operational approach 

Dimpane added that police would be guided by a five-pillar operational approach to anchor deployments across all provinces: 

• High-density policing and crime prevention 

• Combating serious and organised crime 

• Road safety and transport security 

• Protection of tourism destinations, businesses and public spaces 

• Strengthening community partnerships, victim support and accountable service delivery.  

She said these priorities would be guided by targeted interventions, measurable outcomes and continuous operational assessment. 

“Our priorities include combating organised crime, aggravated robberies, hijackings, illegal firearms, illicit liquor, human trafficking and smuggling, while strengthening responses to GBV and femicide.   

“We will protect women, children and vulnerable persons, and enforce road safety laws against speeding, reckless driving and driving under the influence.” 

Focus on key precincts and borders 

Dimpane added there will be increased police deployments and targeted interventions at troublesome precincts to address persistent crime patterns, improve police station accessibility, strengthen investigations and improve service delivery. 

Ports of entry, including Beitbridge, Maseru and Lebombo, with other border crossings, airports, railway stations, taxi ranks, transport corridors and public spaces, will also remain under strict operational focus. 

“We will strengthen border security, disrupt cross-border criminality and protect travellers, businesses and tourists throughout the festive period,” she said. 

Election preparedness and provincial visits

In parallel, senior SAPS executives will conduct provincial visits to assess preparedness for the Local Government Elections scheduled for November 4. According to Dimpane, this will ensure political parties campaign freely, voters participate without intimidation and democratic processes proceed peacefully. 
 
In December, senior management will undertake operational visits to provinces to assess readiness, monitor performance and intensify deployments where necessary. Attention will be directed towards coastal provinces, tourism destinations and areas attracting significant numbers of holidaymakers or heavy port traffic. 

Call for community involvement 

Dimpane called on communities to report suspicious activities, share credible information, participate in community policing forums and work closely with local police stations. 

“The festive season must be a time of joy, not tragedy; togetherness, not violence; and economic opportunity, not exploitation by criminals.  

“Our mission is clear: Every person must be able to travel, work, worship, celebrate and return home safely.” 

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