NELSPRUIT – The SAPS in Mpumalanga, through multidisciplinary teams, continue to intensify their efforts under Operation Safer Festive Season, focusing on areas of interest across the province.
On Friday, 10 January 2026, SAPS members, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, conducted coordinated operations in the Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande, and Nkangala Districts. The activities were aimed at enhancing police visibility, enforcing the law, and dismantling criminal activities.
*EHLANZENI DISTRICT*
Operations were conducted in the Tonga and Komatipoort policing areas. As a result, four (04) suspects were arrested for various offences.
– A 38-year-old suspect was arrested in the Tonga area and charged with driving under the influence of liquor.
– Three suspects, aged between 27 and 56 years, were apprehended for Contravention of Immigration Act of South Africa.
Members also enforced Road Traffic regulations and issued six (06) fines for Contravention of the National Road Traffic Act.
*GERT SIBANDE DISTRICT*
In the Piet Retief policing area, members embarked on crime prevention duties under Operation Safer Festive Season. Two stop-and-search were conducted along the Mahamba and Pongola routes.
Through intelligence information, members arrested two suspects and seized suspected drugs with an estimated street value of about R2 350. Further intensified patrols in the CBD led to the arrest of four suspects for possession of suspected illicit cigarettes, valued at approximately R49 000.
The arrested suspects, aged between 30 and 37 years, face charges including possession of substances suspected to be drugs (Crystal Meth and Mandrax) and possession of suspected illicit cigarettes.
*NKANGALA DISTRICT*
The operations were further conducted in the Belfast and Witbank policing areas. During the operation, a 33-year-old suspect was arrested in Belfast and charged with possession of and dealing in dagga to an estimated street value of about R5 000.
Members also conducted compliance inspections at liquor premises, resulting in enforcement actions for contraventions of the Liquor Act, including failure to display a valid licence, selling liquor beyond stipulated trading hours, selling liquor without a licence, and operating a liquor premises as a brothel. Some premises were subsequently closed for non-compliance.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has commended law enforcement agencies for their unwavering commitment during the operations. “The outcomes of Operation Safer Festive Season across the province clearly demonstrate our determination to safeguard communities and to enforce the law. We commend members for their hardwork, ” said the General.
