National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has vowed to intensify operations against murder, illegal firearms, gender-based violence and stock theft as police prepare for the festive season in the Eastern Cape.
Speaking at the provincial launch of the Safer Festive Season Campaign at Rotary Stadium in Ngangelizwe, O.R. Tambo District, on Friday, Masemola said police would strengthen intelligence-led operations, target crime hotspots and work with communities to prevent violent crime.
He warned that the festive season, which brings increased travel, public gatherings and economic activity, required heightened vigilance and coordinated efforts from law enforcement agencies and communities.
“Our message is clear: the safety of our communities is a shared responsibility, and there can be no place for criminality in our society,” Masemola said.
He identified murder, the proliferation of illegal firearms and ammunition, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), and stock theft as key concerns requiring intensified policing in the province.
Masemola said murder continued to devastate families and undermine communities’ sense of safety, adding that police would prioritise preventing violent crime, identifying suspects and ensuring perpetrators faced justice.
He said illegal firearms remained a major contributor to violent crime, including murder and armed robbery.
The police would intensify efforts to recover illegal weapons and ammunition, disrupt supply networks and investigate those using firearms to terrorise communities.
Masemola called on residents to provide information about individuals and criminal networks involved in the illegal possession and distribution of firearms.
He also warned against normalising violence against women and children, saying police would intensify crime prevention operations and investigations involving domestic violence, rape and other sexual offences during the festive season.
“No woman, child or vulnerable person should live in fear of being abused, assaulted or killed,” he said.
Masemola urged victims and survivors of abuse, as well as relatives and community members aware of incidents, to report them to police as early as possible.
He said early reporting would allow police to intervene, protect victims where necessary, gather evidence and investigate allegations before further harm occurred.
The national commissioner also called on men and boys to play an active role in ending violence against women and children.
He said the response to GBVF should extend beyond arrests after incidents had occurred and include prevention, early intervention, support for survivors and successful prosecutions.
Stock theft was another priority, particularly in rural communities where livestock was a vital source of income, food security and household wealth.
Masemola said police would strengthen visible policing, conduct targeted operations and work with farmers, traditional leaders and livestock owners to combat the crime.
He urged livestock owners to report theft promptly and ensure compliance with livestock identification, transportation and documentation requirements to make it harder for stolen animals to be moved or sold.
With the 2026 Local Government Elections approaching, Masemola said election security would also remain a priority.
He said police would strengthen intelligence gathering, operational planning and crime prevention measures to protect voters, political party members, candidates and election officials from intimidation and violence.
“We will not tolerate attempts by individuals or groups to disrupt electoral activities, intimidate voters or undermine the democratic process,” he said.
Political parties and their supporters were urged to respect the law and resolve disagreements through lawful and democratic processes.
Masemola said police would deploy officers to identified crime hotspots, major routes, shopping centres, entertainment areas, transport facilities and places of worship where increased public activity was expected.
Road safety operations, vehicle and person checks, patrols and targeted crime prevention initiatives would form part of the campaign.
He called on residents to remain vigilant, secure their homes and property, report suspicious activities and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
Masemola also reminded police officers and law enforcement partners that professionalism, discipline and integrity would be essential to the campaign’s success.
He said officers were expected to act decisively against crime while respecting people’s rights and dignity.
“The message we take from this launch must translate into visible action, effective crime prevention, successful investigations, the recovery of illegal firearms and ammunition, the reduction of murder, decisive interventions against stock theft, and intensified efforts to prevent and combat gender-based violence and femicide,” Masemola said.
