The Western Cape Police have launched their 2025 Safer Festive Season Operational Plan in Khayelitsha.

Between now and the end of January 2026, high-density operations, roadblocks, and suspect tracing will be the order of the day as the SAPS bolsters its efforts to combat serious and violent crime during the festive season.

This year’s campaign will be rolled out in five phases and will focus on ten key crime areas, including gender-based violence, aggravated robberies, border security, organised crime, and road safety. Keeping visitors to the province safe in tourism and business hubs in Cape Town is also a big priority.

Deputy National Police Commissioner Advocate Tebello Mosikili has urged communities across the Western Cape to work together to defeat the criminals this festive season.

“All of us have a responsibility. Somebody, somewhere, knows something about crime. It is high time that we come together, talk about it, put resources in place, and fight together.”

Provincial police commissioner Thembisile Patekile appealed to all residents of the Western Cape to keep themselves safe and not come into conflict with the law this festive season.

He also thanked all the officers who are working over this period, and urged to them to act firmly against illegal acts.

“When you go out there, make sure that you are safe, protect the property of the citizens of this country, you protect yourselves and everybody. Importantly, the tools we have given you, use them effectively.”

During the launch at Khayelitsha Stadium on Wednesday, SAPS also displayed its operational preparedness through simulated crime and rescue operations, using Nyalas, helicopters, drones and officers on motorcycles.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:

Hours after the launch, protestors allegedly set fire to a police Nyala, as Public Order Police responded to a service delivery protest in Makhaza.

READ: Nyala torched in Makhaza