Pretoria: Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili of the South African Police Service has assured citizens that an additional 3,558 newly trained police officers will be actively working to ensure public safety during the festive season. The SAPS is intensifying its operations to create a secure environment for all.

According to South African Government News Agency, Acting Police Minister Prof Firoz Cachalia welcomed the new constables following their completion of training at various academies across the country. These officers have been strategically deployed to boost crime-fighting capabilities and enhance public safety. Some were assigned to the Nasrec Expo Centre for the G20 Leaders’ Summit recently.

Mosikili highlighted the collaborative efforts of the police force, emphasizing the importance of working closely with other law enforcement agencies to maintain order and uphold the authority of the state nationwide. She spoke during the release of Quarter 1 and 2 crime statistics in Pretoria, underlining the ongoing efforts to improve safety.

Despite acknowledging the need for further reductions in crime, Mosikili noted progress through integrated operations like Operation Shanela. Encouragingly, from April 1 to September 31, 2025, 413,583 suspects were arrested, and 3,442 firearms were seized. The closure of 11,975 unlicensed liquor premises also marked a significant step in addressing alcohol-related crimes.

Mosikili stressed that criminals across all provinces are being held accountable, with notable efforts in regions like the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. In the Western Cape, operations led to the arrest of 722 gangsters and the seizure of 1,565 illegal firearms. Additionally, in KwaZulu-Natal, five individuals involved in the Umlazi Glebelands hostel mass shooting received lengthy prison sentences.