SAPS makes 13 000 arrests in first week of 2025

Ray White speaks with South African Police Services Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

Listen below.

Over the holiday period, the South African Police Service embarked on a safer festive season operation to protect residents and tourists.

According to Mathe, 13,105 suspects were arrested between 30 December and 5 January.

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142 were arrested for murder and 241 for rape, with the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal being the respective hotspots.

473 suspected drug dealers and 873 drunk drivers were arrested across South Africa.

Mathe adds that over 34,000 suspects were arrested between Christmas and New Year's Day.

“Police have been hard at work in all corners of the country.”

- Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, Spokesperson - SAPS 

She says the positive results are the result of improved crime intelligence, community participation, and greater police visibility.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.