Wendy Dondolo|Published
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has deployed 175 new operational vehicles across the Western Cape as part of intensified crime-fighting operations ahead of the 2026/2027 festive season.
The vehicles were handed over to the province’s six policing districts during the official launch of the Western Cape Safer Festive Season Operations at Nyanga Rugby Stadium on Wednesday.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola and Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Sizakhele Dyantyi attended the launch.
The operation will focus on increasing police visibility, improving response times and strengthening crime prevention efforts in identified hotspots.
Police intensify operations in crime hotspots
Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut said the festive season campaign would build on existing interventions, including Operation Prosper Karabo, with integrated, intelligence-driven and high-density operations set to be intensified.
“These interventions will focus on disrupting criminal activities, tracing and apprehending wanted suspects, removing illegal firearms from circulation, conducting roadblocks and enforcing the law,” Traut said.
The deployment of the 175 vehicles is expected to improve police mobility, enhance response times and strengthen crime-fighting capacity across the six policing districts.
The operation forms part of efforts to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors during the festive season.
SAPS strengthens cooperation with City of Cape Town
Police will also continue working with the City of Cape Town and other law enforcement agencies through coordinated operations and the implementation of a cooperation agreement with the city.
SAPS said the partnership was intended to improve the coordination of crime-fighting resources and strengthen responses to criminal activity.
“This collaborative approach brings together resources, expertise and operational capabilities to address crime more effectively and improve community safety,” Traut said.
The cooperation is expected to support integrated law enforcement efforts as police and their partners target criminal activity across the province.
Communities urged to work with law enforcement
The launch also showcased the operational readiness and capabilities of integrated law enforcement teams, while community members had an opportunity to engage with service providers and access services at exhibitions and displays.
SAPS reaffirmed its commitment to working with law enforcement partners and communities to improve safety during the festive period.
“SAPS remains committed to working with its law enforcement partners and communities to create safer environments and ensure that everyone can enjoy a safe and secure festive season,” Traut said.
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