The Western Cape has launched its comprehensive 2025 Safer Festive Season Operations, setting a national benchmark for collaborative law enforcement during the country’s busiest holiday period.
Provincial Commissioner Lt-Gen Thembisile Patekile officially launched the province-wide campaign at Khayelitsha Rugby Stadium, mobilising all available police resources alongside law-enforcement partners to combat the traditional spike in criminal activity over the festive season.
Deputy National Commissioner Lt-Gen Tebello Mosikili delivered the keynote address, emphasising the National Office would closely monitor the Western Cape’s implementation as a model for festive operations across South Africa.
“We will continue to monitor operations in the Western Cape to ensure 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.”
The Western Cape operations fall under the operational umbrella of Operation Shanela II, featuring intelligence-driven policing intensified across all districts through high-density patrols, coordinated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, stop-and-search operations, and tracing of wanted suspects.
Special attention will target hot-spot areas, major transport routes, business districts and entertainment zones where large crowds are expected during the festive period. The comprehensive approach aims to maintain law and order while preventing crime and upholding public safety across the province.
Patekile emphasised the province’s uncompromising stance on criminality while appealing for community cooperation.
“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, for together we can make this festive season safer for everyone.”
Provincial government support
Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais welcomed the operational plan, highlighting its importance for both safety and economic stability.
“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.”
She emphasised the economic implications of successful festive season security, noting that stability and safety are vital to the province’s reputation as a preferred holiday destination and crucial for job creation in tourism and hospitality sectors.
Marais extended appreciation to the comprehensive network of law-enforcement agencies participating in the operation, including police officers, Cape Town Metro Police, Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers, Provincial Traffic, Cape Town Traffic Services, private security, emergency services personnel and community volunteers from the neighbourhood watch and Community in Blue patrols.
“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.”
She praised the above-mentioned role-players for their dedication, discipline and sacrifice, which did not go unnoticed. “While others celebrate you stand guard. That level of service deserves our highest respect and deepest gratitude.”
Both provincial and national leadership urged citizens and visitors to act responsibly during the festive period. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity immediately and support ongoing efforts to safeguard communities.
The Western Cape’s model emphasises building safer communities through collaboration among law-enforcement agencies, government oversight and active community participation, potentially serving as a template for national festive season security operations.
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