POLOKWANE – The provincial police commisisoner, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, has assured residents that the province’s law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to keep communities safe throughout the festive season.

Speaking during the release of the 2025/26 second-quarter provincial crime statistics in Polokwane earlier today, Hadebe said police would intensify operations targeting violent crime, illegal firearms, drunk driving and alcohol-related offences.

She said the festive season traditionally brings an increase in criminal activity and road traffic violations, and police will respond with heightened visibility, strategic deployments, and coordinated operations with other safety stakeholders.

Hadebe stressed that drunk driving remains a major contributor to road fatalities and serious crashes in Limpopo.

“Our focus will also be on drivers who conduct themselves with impunity by driving under the influence of alcohol. We shall establish roadblocks and vehicle control points designed to detect stolen vehicles and contraband, while minimising disruption to law-abiding travellers,” she said.

While police will ramp up operations, details of hotspots and operational plans will not be disclosed publicly.

Hadebe, together with Transport and Community Safety MEC Violet Mathye, said sensitive information was being withheld to ensure the effectiveness of planned interventions.

Police have also prepared for high-risk festive season events, New Year’s celebrations and mass gatherings, where additional members will be deployed.

“We will also leverage joint operations with targeted roadblocks and vehicle control points on major access routes to disrupt illicit movement,” Hadebe added.

She highlighted several achievements between July and September this year, including:

• 57 701 arrests for serious, violent and priority crimes

• 246 murder suspects arrested

• 184 attempted murder suspects arrested

• 551 rape suspects apprehended

• 11 026 undocumented foreign nationals arrested

• 419 firearms recovered

• 1 666 illegal mining operations disrupted

• 3 355 drug-related arrests

• 2 159 unlicensed shebeens closed

• 2 435 arrests for drunk driving

• 205 hijacked or stolen vehicles recovered

Hadebe urged residents to obey the law, cooperate with law enforcement, and exercise caution during the holiday period.

“We want everyone in Limpopo to enjoy the festive season safely,” she said.