As South Africa enters its high-crime festive season, the South African Police Service (SAPS) leadership and major policing unions have issued strong warnings to communities following a string of violent attacks on officers, including a brutal assault on a female police officer in Kimberley.

National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said the police would not hesitate to act decisively against individuals who attack or obstruct officers in the line of duty.

“An attack on a police officer is an attack on the state and on national security,” Masemola said as SAPS launched its Safer Festive Season operations on Tuesday.

He cautioned that anyone interfering with officers performing their lawful duties will face “the full might of the law.” Under Section 67 of the South African Police Service Act, obstructing or resisting an officer is a criminal offence punishable by law.

“Police officers are mothers and fathers who risk their lives daily to protect all people living within the borders of our Republic,” Masemola said. “When others run away at the sound of gunfire, police officers run toward it. It cannot be the same communities who depend on them for safety that turn against them.”

Masemola’s comments follow the circulation of a viral video showing two men assaulting a female officer in Kimberley while she was executing her duties. The footage drew widespread outrage across the country and prompted a flurry of condemnation from both the South African Policing Union (SAPU) and the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU).

Unions: “The Law Must Protect the Protectors”

In a strongly worded statement, SAPU Northern Cape described the assault as a cowardly and disgraceful act that undermines democracy and the rule of law.

“This heinous act is not only an attack on the police, but an attack on the state and a disgraceful assault on the values of justice, order, and human dignity,” said Provincial Secretary Sabata Ephraim Tshabedi.

SAPU called on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the courts to ensure the suspects face the harshest possible consequences, arguing that granting them bail would “betray those who risk their lives daily to uphold peace and order.”

“The law must protect the protectors,” Tshabedi said. “If police officers are not safe while executing their lawful duties, then no citizen can feel truly safe. The courts must send a clear message — those who attack the guardians of our democracy cannot find refuge in our justice system.”

SAPU also called on communities to take a stand against violence directed at officers, saying citizens should not allow criminals to feel emboldened to harm those who serve the nation. “We urge communities to stand with police officials, condemn violence, support justice, and demand accountability,” Tshabedi said.

POPCRU: “Violence Against Women in Uniform Must Never Be Normalised”

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) in the Northern Cape echoed SAPU’s outrage, describing the assault as “senseless and brutal.”

“This is not just an attack on an individual, but a direct assault on the rule of law and the broader efforts to ensure the safety and security of our communities,” said POPCRU provincial spokesperson Mbabali Mkhontwana.

POPCRU called on SAPS management to ensure the case is fully investigated and that the officer receives psychological and medical support. “No member of the police service should feel unsafe or unprotected while serving the nation,” Mkhontwana said.

He added that the incident underscores the need for greater investment in officer safety and mental health. “We call on government to take decisive steps to protect those at the frontline through better working conditions, proper resourcing, and effective protection mechanisms,” POPCRU said.

“Respect the Blue Uniform” – Masemola

Masemola’s festive season message also carried a firm reminder to both police and civilians: “Respect the blue uniform, and the blue uniform will serve and protect you.”

He praised the restraint shown by officers during the Kimberley attack, noting that despite being armed, they avoided deadly force to prevent loss of life. “We commend our officers for their discipline under extreme provocation,” he said.

Masemola urged the public to report wrongdoing, but warned that obstructing law enforcement or attacking officers undermines national safety. “Communities cannot pick and choose who should be arrested or prosecuted. Crime can only be rooted out when citizens respect the law and support the police.”

As the Safer Festive Season campaign gets underway, SAPS will intensify operations against violent crimes, including armed robberies, gender-based violence, and cash-in-transit heists. Masemola said police readiness includes ongoing tactical training, upgraded safety equipment, and community partnerships to restore trust and cooperation.

“Policing is not an easy task,” Masemola said. “But our men and women in blue will continue to execute their duties with diligence and honour — within the law, but without hesitation when duty calls.”