Pretoria – South African Police Service (SAPS) operations during the long Easter weekend led to the seizure of 132 unlicensed firearms with 1 097 rounds of ammunition.
The police also arrested 15 840 suspects for various crimes, and closed 532 illegal taverns and shebeens, authorities announced on Monday.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe on Easter Monday, 6 April 2026, stated that the multi-agency crackdown was led by SAPS with heightened visibility patrols, roadblocks, and targeted crime-prevention initiatives.
The focus was on combating violent crime, illegal alcohol sales, drug-related offences, and impaired driving over the holiday period.
Among the key hauls were 132 illegal and unlicensed firearms, including a significant number of handguns recovered in KwaZulu-Natal (42). Police also confiscated 747 dangerous weapons, such as knives, in efforts to curb violent incidents.
A total of 532 illegal taverns and shebeens were shut down for non-compliance with the Liquor Act, while 773 people were arrested for selling liquor without valid licences.
KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number of such arrests (299), followed by Mpumalanga (209).
In addition, 1 419 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, with KwaZulu-Natal leading at 588, Mpumalanga at 199, and the Eastern Cape at 197.
Drug-related arrests totalled 1 744 for possession, with the Western Cape accounting for 737 and KwaZulu-Natal 341. Another 334 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs.
A breakdown of other serious crime arrests includes:
- Assault with grievous bodily harm (GBH): 1 342
- Murder: 146
- Attempted murder: 123
- Rape: 189
- House robbery: 171
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola commended the officers involved, highlighting their dedication and bravery while working under dangerous conditions.
He said the operations were making a tangible difference in enhancing public safety and reducing crime-enabling environments, particularly those linked to illegal alcohol sales and drug activity.
The statement did not provide provincial breakdowns for all categories or details on the exact dates of the Easter operations, but emphasised ongoing focus on regulating alcohol sales to disrupt crime hotspots.
