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Police and immigration services are seen during a nationwide Shanela Safer Festive Season operation in the Free State on 31 December 2025.
Police have arrested over 16,000 suspects between December 29th and 4th of January. They were arrested for drunk driving, illegal liquor trading, violent crimes and possession of unlicensed firearms during the nationwide Shanela Safer Festive Season operation.
National Police Spokesperson Amanda van Wyk says over 900 suspects were arrested for alcohol-related offences.
“At the forefront of this clampdown were offences directly linked to alcohol abuse and distribution, with 939 suspects arrested for illegally dealing in liquor, while 1,816 suspects were taken in for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Beyond liquor or drunk driving offences, the operation also saw 997 suspects arrested for contravening the Immigration Act; 135 for murder, 181 for rape, 81 suspects arrested for illegal possession of firearms, 50 for the possession of explosives,” says van Wyk.
Meanwhile, police across the country are monitoring traffic as motorists return from their holiday destinations.
In Gauteng, government raised concerns over dangerous driving on the roads.
Authorities say speeding, not wearing seatbelts and drunk driving remain major issues.
Gauteng traffic cracks down on reckless drivers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ms-8ayJr_Co
