LIMPOPO – Limpopo’s 2026/2027 Safer Festive Season Operations were launched at Thavhani Mall in Thohoyandou today (October 22), with the handover of 67 law enforcement vehicles to district commissioners.

The launch was led by Transport and Community Safety MEC Nkakareng Kekana, alongside provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, traditional leaders, mayors, Community Policing Forum representatives and other community stakeholders.

The operations will focus on crime prevention and road safety during the festive season under the theme of combating crime through decisive police action and community involvement.

Key concerns

Kekana said the initiative included separate operations targeting crime and road safety.

She highlighted drunk driving, speeding, unroadworthy vehicles and reckless driving as key concerns, particularly along the N1, R81, R524 and R71 routes.

Commendation for action against corrupt officers

The MEC also commended Scheepers for taking action against police officers accused of breaking the law.

She referred to the recent arrest of five police officers in connection with allegations that they facilitated the evasion of immigration enforcement involving undocumented foreign nationals.

67 vehicles handed over

The handover of 67 vehicles was a key feature of the launch.

Scheepers noted the coincidence that he was born in 1967 and was handing over the same number of vehicles during his first such handover as provincial commissioner.

He warned that police would take action against those who break the law during the festive season.

Call to communities

Kekana called on communities to work with law enforcement by reporting crime through the MySAPS app or by calling 10111.

She also urged communities to stand against gender-based violence (GBV), particularly violence linked to alcohol abuse.

The department said the operations would focus on strengthening law enforcement and encouraging community participation to improve safety across the province during the festive period.