WC SAPS launches 2025 festive season safety plan

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Western Cape police officially launched the 2025 Safer Festive Season Operations at the Khayelitsha Rugby Stadium on Wednesday. The launch marks the start of a province-wide campaign to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors during the festive period, a time when criminal activity often escalates.

PHOTO: Elona Sibunzi

Deputy National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, delivered the key note address at the event, and said under the operational umbrella of Operation Shanela II, high-visibility and intelligence-driven policing will be intensified across all districts.

She said this includes high-density patrols, coordinated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, stop-and-search operations, and the tracing of wanted suspects. Special attention will be directed at hotspot areas, major transport routes, business districts, and entertainment zones where large crowds are expected.

PHOTO: Elona Sibunzi

Mosikili commended Western Cape SAPS for its readiness and commitment to ensuring public safety during the festive period. She emphasised that the National Office will closely monitor the implementation of festive operations in the province to ensure maximum impact.

“We will continue to monitor operations in the Western Cape to ensure that the strategic direction of the Safer Festive Season campaign is effectively executed. The safety of our communities remains our foremost priority, and we expect all law enforcement officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and service delivery,” said Lt. Gen. Mosikili.

Western Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General (Adv.) Thembisile Patekile, appealed to communities to work hand-in-hand with law enforcement in the fight against crime.

“We will not tolerate lawlessness during this period. Our members will be out in full force to ensure that every resident and visitor enjoys a safe, peaceful, and crime-free festive season. Community cooperation remains vital, together, we can make this festive season safer for everyone.’’

PHOTO: Elona Sibunzi

The provincial launch also saw eighty-eight vehicles being handed over to the Western Cape.

PHOTO: Elona Sibunzi


Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Anroux Marais, was also in attendance and urged residents to celebrate the festive season safely and responsibly.

“While many will use this season to relax with family and friends, we must remain vigilant. Unfortunately, there are those who attempt to take advantage of this atmosphere of celebration, for their own nefarious means. That is why this operational plan is so important. It helps us protect what matters most: our residents and communities.”

Marais extended her appreciation to the SAPS leadership and all law enforcement agencies for their careful planning and early collaboration ahead of the festive period.

“Your leadership, coordination and commitment are the backbone of our province’s reputation as a preferred holiday destination. The stability and safety you help provide are vital to our economy and the creation of much-needed job opportunities, especially in tourism and hospitality.’’

“To the brave women and men in blue from the SAPS officers, Cape Town Metro Police, Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers, Provincial Traffic, Cape Town Traffic Services, Private Security, emergency services personnel, as well as our Neighborhood Watch and Community in Blue patrollers, thank you. Your dedication, discipline, and sacrifice do not go unnoticed. While others celebrate, you stand guard. That level of service deserves our highest respect and deepest gratitude,’’ added Marais.

Police urged the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity immediately, and support the ongoing efforts to safeguard communities.

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

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