The Gauteng Festive Season Operation has officially kicked off, and within the first weekend, 75 suspects were arrested in Gauteng for driving under the influence of alcohol. The arrests, which took place across Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni, mark the start of a hardline stance against crime during the holiday season.
Led by Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, the provincial commissioner, these operations form part of a wider national effort to ensure safety as the festive period begins.
Operation Launched Across Gauteng’s Crime Hotspots
The Safer Festive Season Operations, rolled out over the weekend of 18–20 October 2025, involved a multi-disciplinary approach across several districts. This high-visibility campaign is designed to prevent violent crimes, enforce traffic regulations, and monitor public spaces.
Read more: Three Germiston SAPS Officers Arrested for Alleged Drug Dealing – a major blow to internal corruption within the police force.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, the crackdown was successful in multiple locations. Officers conducted roadblocks, stop-and-searches, and surprise raids on liquor outlets and crime hotspots.
“These priorities included intensifying roadblocks, raiding liquor outlets, and patrols at taxi ranks, bus terminals, and malls,” said Masondo.
75 Suspects Arrested in Gauteng for Drunk Driving
The operation’s initial headline figure, 75 drunk driving arrests, highlights the province’s zero-tolerance approach to road safety.
These arrests were made across:
- Johannesburg
- Tshwane
- Ekurhuleni
Driving under the influence remains a major contributor to road accidents during the holidays. Police have vowed to continue with intensified checks throughout December and January.
Over 1,000 Additional Suspects Arrested for Other Crimes
In addition to the 75 drunk drivers, Gauteng police arrested more than 1,000 other suspects for various crimes, including:
- Possession of unlicensed firearms
- Drug dealing and possession
- Assault and malicious damage to property
- Car hijacking and kidnapping
- Gender-based violence and femicide-related crimes
- Immigration offences
District-Level Arrest Breakdown:
- Ekurhuleni District: 154 suspects
- Tshwane District: 463 suspects
- Sedibeng and West Rand: 179 suspects
- Johannesburg: 218 suspects
“The raids resulted in the arrests of suspects wanted for rape, murder, robbery, and GBV-related cases,” added Masondo.
Strategy Behind the Gauteng Festive Season Operation
The Gauteng Festive Season Operation forms part of the national Safer Festive Season campaign, launched by the South African Police Service (SAPS). It aims to disrupt criminal networks, reduce violent crime, and promote public safety during the holidays.
Authorities have focused efforts on:
- Visible policing
- Intelligence-led raids
- Targeting illegal firearms and stolen goods
- Monitoring public transport nodes
- Crackdowns on alcohol abuse and unlicensed liquor outlets
This approach mirrors the broader national plan, where over 244,000 suspects were arrested during the 2024/2025 festive season.
Read next: Suspected Illegal Miner Busted with Two AK-47s in Magaliesburg – highlighting the growing threat of armed zama zamas.
Court Appearances and Admission of Guilt Fines
Many suspects are expected to appear before various magistrates’ courts across the province from Monday, 20 October 2025. Others, particularly those arrested for minor offences, were released after paying admission of guilt fines.
The legal process will determine further prosecution, especially in cases involving serious offences like GBV, car hijacking, and attempted murder.
Community Urged to Cooperate with Law Enforcement
Authorities have encouraged residents to report suspicious activity and comply with police instructions at roadblocks. Lt. Gen. Mthombeni emphasised that the public’s cooperation is essential for safer communities.
“We urge all community members to support police efforts and report crime. We are all responsible for safety,” he said.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The aggressive start to the festive season crackdown sends a clear message: Gauteng police will not tolerate crime during the holidays. The combination of arrests for violent crimes, firearm seizures, and DUI enforcement shows a comprehensive crime-fighting strategy.
As December approaches, residents can expect:
- More roadblocks and stop-and-searches
- Raids on illegal liquor outlets
- Arrests for outstanding warrants
- Focused interventions in high-risk areas
Also read: Five Suspects Caught with SAPS Uniform in Daveyton – raising concerns about criminals impersonating police officers.
With 75 suspects arrested in Gauteng for drunk driving in just one weekend, the Gauteng Festive Season Operation is clearly off to a decisive start. As operations expand, the province is setting a strong precedent for crime prevention over the 2025 holiday season.
Stay alert, stay safe — and support the effort to make Gauteng crime-free this festive season.
