Law enforcement agencies across Gauteng have reported encouraging outcomes from their intensified festive season operations, particularly over the New Year’s crossover period, though concerns over drunk driving and attempted bribery of officers persist.
The operations, which saw heavy deployment in areas known for heightened crime and violence like Hillbrow, involved collaboration between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
SAPS Reports Lower Arrest Numbers
SAPS Gauteng spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili noted a positive trend, stating that arrest numbers from December 29-31 were “much lower than previous years” when compared to the same period. He confirmed that 50 arrests were made specifically on December 31 during the crossover. Muridili indicated that detailed statistics were still being compiled and would be released soon.
JMPD Details Crossover Enforcement
JMPD Superintendent Xolani Fihla, providing an on-the-ground assessment, expressed satisfaction with the overall impact of their operations within Johannesburg. He reported no major incidents during the crossover from December 31 into January 1.
“Our main focus was public order… and important as well is the road safety bylaw compliance and crime prevention,” Superintendent Fihla stated.
Key outcomes from JMPD operations included:
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Arrests for Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Numerous arrests for drunk driving, continuing a concerning trend from earlier in December where over 200 motorists were arrested in one week.
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Joint Inner-City Operation: A large-scale operation in the highly densified Johannesburg CBD, conducted with SAPS and private security, resulted in arrests for DUI, contravention of the Immigration Act, and other crimes.
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Illegal Street Bashes: Two complaints about unpermitted street parties were effectively dealt with before they could be set up, with no resistance from organisers.
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Fireworks Crackdown: A significant breakthrough saw the discovery and seizure of a large cache of illegally stored fireworks in the Johannesburg CBD during an operation led by the chief of police.
Persistent Road Safety Challenges
Despite overall improved behaviour, Superintendent Fihla highlighted serious ongoing issues:
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Drunk Driving: The number of DUI arrests remains a “serious concern.”
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Fatal Accidents: Two fatal accidents were reported on January 1—one a single-vehicle collision in the northern suburbs and one involving a pedestrian in the south. Pedestrians continue to account for the highest number of road fatalities.
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Attempted Bribery: Preliminary reports indicate an increase in arrests for attempting to bribe police officers.
Superintendent Fihla also clarified a point raised by SAPS Deputy Provincial Commissioner Fred Kekana, confirming that consuming alcohol as a passenger in a vehicle on a public road is illegal and considered public drinking, punishable by fine or arrest.
Focus Shifts to Returning Traffic
With the holiday season winding down, law enforcement attention is turning to managing incoming traffic. Superintendent Fihla warned that JMPD officers will be out in full force monitoring major routes, including the N1 from Limpopo and the Free State, the N3 from KwaZulu-Natal, and the N12 from the Northwest, with high volumes expected from Sunday.
Both SAPS and JMPD spokespersons expressed relief and encouragement at the operational outcomes but emphasized continued vigilance and enforcement as residents return to the city.