Wrap-up of December 2025 arrests: More than 16 000 nabbed for various crimes
Mapaballo Borotho
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- More than 16 000 suspects were arrested nationwide between 22 and 28 December 2025 as police intensified festive-season operations.
- Arrests ranged from murder and illegal firearm possession to drunk driving and illicit liquor trading, with over 632 000 litres of alcohol confiscated.
- SAPS says the crackdown will continue into the new year to curb violent crime and restore community safety.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested at least 16 692 suspects for various crimes, including drunk driving, murder, and the possession of illegal firearms, between 22 and 28 December 2025.
Police spokesperson Amanda Van Wyk said 165 murder suspects were arrested during the period, while 104 suspects were apprehended for the illegal possession of firearms.
“In just one week, 1 603 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, while 963 suspects were arrested for illegal liquor trading. In addition, a staggering 632 010 litres of alcohol were confiscated across multiple provinces,” Van Wyk said.
Provincial insights
In Gauteng, police arrested two suspects linked to the brutal murder of slain media personality Warrick ‘DJ Warras’ Stock in Soweto.
Eleven more suspects were taken into custody in connection with the Bekkersdal tavern mass shooting, which left ten people dead and the community reeling from shock.
One suspect was also arrested in connection with the Saulsville mass shooting, which claimed twelve lives, including those of minors.
In Mpumalanga, eight suspects aged between 29 and 51 were arrested in Vosman in possession of five AK-47 rifles, explosives, and three stolen vehicles linked to crimes committed in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape.
In the Western Cape, Anti-Gang Unit detectives arrested three suspects in Manenberg, Athlone and Mitchell’s Plain for murders and attempted murders linked to gang violence.
The suspects, aged 28, 36 and 38, face charges including contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
In the North West, a multidisciplinary illegal mining operation in Kroondal, Rustenburg, resulted in the confiscation of 20 excavators, two trucks and two light delivery vehicles, disrupting illicit mining activities in the province.
In KwaZulu-Natal, three suspected hitmen aged between 25 and 26 were arrested in KwaDabeka. Police seized five unlicensed pistols and 24 rounds of ammunition.
The suspects are linked to armed robberies in Clermont and KwaMashu and face charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said police will continue intensifying operations during the festive season and into the new year to ensure public safety.
“The SAPS will not allow reckless alcohol abuse, illegal trade or violent crime to rob our communities of peace. These arrests and confiscations send a clear message: lawlessness has no place in South Africa,” he said.
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