As part of the ongoing 2025/26 Safer Festive Season, police in the province have arrested 827 suspects for various crimes, including 398 known suspects by detectives during suspect raiding operations between November 24 and November 30.

Colonel Adéle Myburgh, police spokesperson, says the suspects included 16 arrested for dealing in drugs, 40 for illegal dealing in liquor, 150 for possession of drugs, 44 for rape, nine for murder, 196 for assault common and assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, 26 for burglary at business and residential premises, and 59 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Moreover, 36 illegal immigrants were arrested for contravening section 49 of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002. Police confiscated a variety of items, including liquor, drugs, precious metals, tobacco products, 35 rounds of ammunition, and seven vehicles.”

As part of the actions executed during the operations, 403 premises, 3 251 persons and 3 773 vehicles were searched, and 79 unlicensed liquor premises were closed out of 702 liquor premises inspected.