Gauteng festive operation nets 1 150 arrests

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has led a successful Provincial Festive Operation across all districts in Gauteng, resulting in the arrest of 1 150 suspects involved in serious crimes. These include murder, rape, attempted murder, hijacking, business robbery, house robbery, possession of firearms and ammunition and armed robbery.

The operation, which began on Saturday, October 25, 2025, was a collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, Community Policing Forum, all metropolitan police departments, Department of Home Affairs and private securities.

It included strategic roadblocks and targeted raids focused on capturing wanted suspects. Detectives across the province arrested over 700 suspects, including 152 arrests related to gender-based violence.

Lieutenant General Mthombeni personally oversaw roadblocks in Honeydew and Cosmo City, Johannesburg District, areas noted for violent crimes such as rape, murder and business robbery. More than 20 people were arrested for drunk driving and over 50 illegal immigrants were arrested. Additionally, police closed 18 liquor outlets for failing to comply with the Liquor Act and five outlets for possession of drugs.

“This operation demonstrates the SAPS' commitment to addressing criminal activity, ensuring public safety and enforcing compliance with regulations in our communities,” the provincial commissioner said.