The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State has launched its 2026/2027 Safer Festive Season Operations, with 104 new operational vehicles handed over to bolster crime-fighting efforts across the province.
The provincial launch took place at the MN Breytenbach Sportsgrounds in Bultfontein, in the Lejweleputswa District, on Wednesday, 28 October, under the theme “Combating Crime Through Decisive Police Action and Robust Community Involvement”.
The new vehicles are expected to improve police visibility, strengthen operational capacity and reduce response times. Some have been allocated to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units to strengthen efforts to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
104 new vehicles to strengthen policing
The launch began at 06:00 with a high-density, multi-disciplinary roadblock along the R700 in Bultfontein. Led by Colonel Fouche of the Anti-Gang Unit, the operation brought together SAPS units and officials from the Department of Traffic, the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), and the Department of Home Affairs and Immigration.
The operation targeted stock theft, the illegal transportation of non-ferrous metals, illegal firearms and ammunition, illicit drugs, immigration violations and contraventions of the National Road Traffic Act.
Officers conducted stop-and-search operations and vehicle inspections, checking driving licences and roadworthiness. Biometric and other verification devices were used to check identities, firearms, vehicles and cellphones, while vehicle investigators focused on stolen and cloned vehicles, altered vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and tampered vehicles.
Multi-disciplinary roadblock targets crime
Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia visited the roadblock to assess its progress and effectiveness. After receiving a briefing from Colonel Fouche, Lesia commended the integrated law enforcement teams for their commitment to crime prevention, compliance and road safety.
Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae also visited the operation and reaffirmed the provincial government’s support for law enforcement agencies, highlighting the importance of collaboration in creating safer roads and communities.
The main launch event featured a multi-disciplinary parade involving SAPS units, the Border Management Authority and the Department of Correctional Services, demonstrating the agencies’ operational readiness.
Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale, Letsoha-Mathae, Acting Divisional Commissioner for Inspectorate Lieutenant General Lineo Nkhoua, Lesia, senior police management, district commissioners, Community Policing Forum representatives and other stakeholders attended the event.
K9 unit delivers operational plan
One of the highlights was the presentation of the provincial operational plan, delivered in a symbolic handover involving a SAPS helicopter and Parko, a four-year-old Belgian Shepherd from the Bloemfontein K9 Search and Rescue Unit. Parko was handled by Warrant Officer Swannie Swanepoel, highlighting the contribution of specialised K9 units to crime prevention and search-and-rescue operations.
The programme also included operational demonstrations by the Tactical Response Team, Public Order Police, K9 units and the SAPS Air Wing, with a helicopter and drones showcasing the resources available to support policing operations.
The festive season campaign aims to strengthen partnerships between the police and communities, encourage public participation in crime prevention and ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy a safe and peaceful festive season.
The police urged continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies, community structures and the public as operations intensify during the holiday period.
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