- Intensive Law Enforcement Operations in Eastern Cape: Between 25 and 31 August 2025, the Eastern Cape police conducted 61 high-density operations across the province, utilizing 14,929 officers in nearly 90,000 actions to combat violent crime.
- Achievements of the Crackdown Campaign: The operations resulted in the arrest of 953 suspects, the confiscation of 23 unlicensed firearms, and multiple vehicle checkpoints, roadblocks, and inspections targeting illegal activities.
- Diverse Range of Offenses Addressed: Arrests were made for various crimes including firearm violations, drug trafficking, illegal liquor trade, and offenses under the Second-Hand Goods Act, among others.
- Serious Criminal Offenses Targeted: Among those detained, there were suspects for murder, rape, assault, and drunk driving, highlighting the comprehensive approach to tackling serious crimes.
Between 25 and 31 August 2025, the Eastern Cape police intensified their fight against violent crime with 61 high-density operations across the province. The coordinated efforts, aimed at stopping the proliferation of illegal firearms, preventing murders, and curbing cash-in-transit robberies, saw 14 929 officers deployed in a total of 89 693 actions.
The week-long crackdown led to the arrest of 953 suspects and the confiscation of 23 unlicensed firearms. Officers carried out 627 vehicle checkpoints, 30 roadblocks, 229 tracing operations targeting wanted suspects, and 13 683 inspections of spaza shops to curb illegal activity.
The arrests cover a variety of offences. These include 35 for contravention of the Firearms Control Act, 24 for possession of unlicensed firearms, 44 for drug dealing, 141 for possession of illicit drugs, 50 for illegal liquor trade, and 20 for contravention of the Second-Hand Goods Act. In addition, 19 suspects were held for murder, nine for rape, 199 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, 98 for common assault, and 101 for drunk driving.
Police confirmed the operations are part of an ongoing strategy to protect communities and dismantle criminal networks threatening public safety.
