Masemola warns of rising gun violence during festive season

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has expressed concern over a rise in gun violence during the festive season, saying police will ramp up operations to curb illegal firearms and combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

Masemola was speaking on Tuesday during a festive season operations oversight visit in KwaZulu-Natal, alongside Acting Minister of Police Prof Firoz Cachalia. 

The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to monitor police readiness and crime prevention during the peak holiday period.

Cachalia was accompanied by Masemola, Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, and KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, among other senior officials.

“We have entered the peak of the holiday season, and so far it is encouraging that the men and women in blue are holding the fort, preventing and combating crime,” Masemola said.

He praised police officers for their dedication and commitment during the festive season, saying the oversight visits were part of the Safer Festive Season Operational Plan.

“Today’s oversight visits form part of our safer festive season operational plans to ensure that South Africans and all those living within our borders are and feel safe, and that their properties are protected during the holiday season and beyond,” he said.

Masemola said the national operational plan, launched on October 13, was being tailored to provincial crime patterns.

“As SAPS management, we are convinced that this operational plan this festive season is effective and should be maintained for safer holidays,” he said.

He said law enforcement agencies had responded decisively to crime since the start of the festive season operations.

“Gun violence seems to be on the rise, and this means we must intensify our efforts to remove these illegal firearms from our streets,” Masemola said.

Nationally, he said police have arrested 172,560 suspects since October 13. 

During the same period, more than 1,507 illegal and unlicensed firearms were seized, 5,228 illegal shebeens and taverns were shut down, and 635 stolen or hijacked vehicles were recovered.

In KwaZulu-Natal alone, police have seized 541 illegal firearms since October, including 432 handguns and 48 rifles. 

More than 15,000 suspects have been processed for crimes ranging from murder to sexual offences.

Masemola said 2,989 unlicensed liquor premises had been shut down in the province, with an equal number of people arrested for selling alcohol illegally.

He also raised concerns about road safety, noting that December is marked by increased travel and shopping, leading to higher traffic volumes and fatal crashes.

“During this time of the year, the safety of all road users, including pedestrians, becomes our biggest concern,” he said.

Masemola urged motorists to obey traffic laws, avoid drinking and driving, refrain from using mobile phones while driving, and take regular breaks to prevent fatigue.

“Road safety is everyone’s business. Let us all ensure that we arrive alive,” he said.

Masemola said the safety of children and the fight against GBVF remain top priorities, particularly during the festive season.

“During this period, police are often inundated with cases of missing children, especially at coastal beaches,” he said, urging parents to remain vigilant and not leave children unattended near pools or beaches.

He said police would remain on high alert to respond swiftly to GBVF-related incidents and appealed to men to play their part in ending violence against women and children.

Masemola also urged police officers to remain alert and safe while on duty, reminding them to wear bulletproof vests and ensure their firearms are in working order.

“In closing, this Christmas Eve, police are under instruction to continue saturating the streets, preventing crime and acting swiftly,” he said.

The top cop added that the intensified operations would continue throughout the festive season and beyond, calling on communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

“If you see something, say something,” Masemola said.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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