Police prioritise GBV and kidnappings in Gauteng’s festive safety drive

Police prioritise GBV and kidnappings in Gauteng’s festive safety drive

Mapaballo Borotho

• Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni says GBV and kidnappings are top priorities for this festive season’s safety campaign.
• Police will also target robberies, contact crimes, and CIT heists.
• Premier Panyaza Lesufi has pledged to intensify the fight against drug abuse in the province.

Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni says gender-based violence (GBV) and kidnappings will be top priorities for this year’s Safer Festive Season campaign.

This comes as GBV-related cases continue to surge across the country, driven by factors such as drug and alcohol abuse. Mthombeni noted that such cases often spike during the holidays, fuelled by stress, alcohol consumption, and financial pressures.

He emphasised that tackling GBV and femicide remains a year-round focus for law enforcement.

Mthombeni was speaking during the official launch of the Safer Festive Season Operations in Tsakane on Friday.

In addition to GBV and kidnappings, Gauteng police have also pledged to intensify efforts against house robberies, contact crimes, and cash-in-transit (CIT) heists during the festive period.

The annual Safer Festive Season Operations, which run from 15 October to 31 January, aim to reduce crime through heightened police visibility and proactive enforcement.

Meanwhile, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has reaffirmed his commitment to combating the province’s escalating drug problem, which he says continues to endanger communities and contribute to rising crime rates.

Lesufi, who delivered the keynote address at the launch, said drug abuse is eroding public safety and straining family relationships across the province.

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