By Thapelo Molefe
As the festive season hits full swing, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has reported strides in the nationwide Safer Festive Season Operations.
Mchunu addressed the media on Sunday during the Ministerial Safer Festive Season Operations Inspection Tour in the Eastern Cape, held at the local 10111 Command Centre.
He was joined by National Police Commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola, Deputy National Commissioner for Policing Lt Gen Tebello Mosikilli, and Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene.
With the deployment of 2,699 newly trained constables, law enforcement has significantly bolstered its capacity to protect South Africans, tourists, and holidaymakers during this busy period.
The Eastern Cape has welcomed 526 of these newly deployed officers, a move the minister believes will bolster the region’s capacity to tackle crime and ensure public safety during the bustling holiday season.
“With the addition of 2699 newly trained police Constable’s on the ground, we are implementing an all hands-on deck approach to make sure that South Africans, and all those who are in the country, holiday makers and tourists alike, are and feel safe this festive season,” said Mchunu.
“526 Constable’s have been deployed to stations and various policing units in the Eastern Cape to bolster our crime combatting operations in this province. These additional boots will go a long way in supplementing and strengthening our crime fighting efforts.
The Safer Festive Season Operations, launched in October, target nine key areas, including combating gender-based violence and femicide, addressing armed robberies such as hijackings and home or business invasions, strengthening border security, and improving road safety in collaboration with traffic and metro police.
In the Eastern Cape alone, these initiatives have led to the closure of 337 unlicensed liquor outlets, the arrest of 13,679 suspects—including 485 for murder—the seizure of 351 illegal firearms and over 4,700 rounds of ammunition, and the recovery of 298 stolen or hijacked vehicles.
One of the most alarming trends uncovered is the rise in insurance-related murders, particularly in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.
Police investigations have linked 67 murders to individuals seeking financial gain through insurance payouts.
Areas such as Kwanobuhle and Kwazakhele have been flagged as hotspots, with 28 and 23 cases reported, respectively.
Mchunu commended police efforts in this area, including the recent conviction of Shayhieda Dollie, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison for orchestrating the murder of her son in Gelvandale for an insurance payout.
“Those involved in these heinous crimes should know that we are working closely with banks and insurance companies to clamp down on this activity,” Mchunu warned.
Mchunu also emphasised the importance of road safety, given the rising fatalities on South African roads.
Collaborative efforts with the Department of Transport have increased the number of roadblocks on major routes, particularly in high-risk areas like the Eastern Cape.
Mchunu urged communities to report suspicious activities and avoid disclosing personal information to prevent becoming targets of insurance fraud schemes.
He expressed gratitude to the men and women in blue who are working tirelessly during the festive season.
On Saturday, police minister also attended the funeral of a police officer who died in the line of duty in KwaZulu-Natal last week and reminded officers to remain vigilant and wear protective gear.
“Our officers are the backbone of our operations, and their safety remains a top priority,” Mchunu said.
The minister is set to visit KwaZulu-Natal next week to assess the province’s festive season operations and provide support to officers on the ground.
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