Masemola calls on communities to fight crime together

South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola visited victims of a recent mass shooting in Saulsville on Monday, showing the police’s determination to bring the perpetrators to justice while outlining nationwide efforts to curb crime during the festive season. Twelve people were killed and thirteen others remain in hospital following the incident, with three suspects still at large. The mass shooting at a hostel left three minors, youngest bring aged three amongst the deceased.

Speaking at the scene, Masemola said detectives and uniformed officers are working around the clock to apprehend the suspects. “We are confident that in no time, we will find these three suspects,” he said. Authorities have registered 12 counts of murder and 13 counts of attempted murder. The owner of the tavern where the shooting occurred, who is also among the injured, has been charged with operating without a valid liquor license.

Masemola highlighted the role of illegal alcohol establishments in driving violent crime. Since the start of the financial year on 1 April 2025, the Atteridgeville police precinct has shut down 101 illegal shebeens and taverns, 11 of which were closed in the past four weeks. “With the latest incident, we agree that operations must be intensified to ensure that nothing is left to chance,” he said.

Since 13 October, SAPS has inspected 51 844 liquor outlets nationwide. A total of 3 665 illegal taverns and shebeens were closed, with 6 641 suspects arrested for selling liquor illegally. Police also seized and disposed of 297 804 litres of alcohol sold outside the law.

Operation Shanela, running alongside festive season operations, has contributed to 113 727 arrests, including 33 505 wanted for serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, illicit mining, and drug offences. An additional 18 600 suspects were arrested for possession of drugs. Masemola emphasised that alcohol and drugs remain major drivers of violent crime, including assault, domestic violence, and murders.

In Gauteng, police have inspected 41 366 liquor premises since April, shutting down 2 906 unlicensed outlets and seizing 972 illegal firearms, including 863 pistols and 60 rifles. The province continues to record the highest number of hijackings, kidnappings, murders, and rapes, prompting intensified integrated operations with other law enforcement agencies.

The Commissioner noted that mass shootings at illegal establishments have been a recurring problem. This year, Gauteng has already recorded three incidents. In July, six people were killed in Olivenhoutbosch, where the shebeen owner was arrested for operating illegally. One suspect in that case is currently detained in Lesotho on an unrelated murder charge, with SAPS liaising with INTERPOL. In Bronkhorstpruit, five people were killed at Zithobeni tavern, and two suspects remain in custody.

Masemola also highlighted intelligence-driven operations that have yielded tangible results. On Monday, six suspects were arrested in the West Rand while en route to commit a CIT armed robbery. Two firearms; a rifle and a pistol; along with the suspects’ vehicles were seized. In Temba, Makapanstad, police dismantled a drug lab worth more than R100 million, arresting six suspects and confiscating drugs and manufacturing equipment.

The Commissioner called on citizens to remain vigilant, particularly against cybercrime and online scams, and to report suspicious activities. “We also request the cooperation of communities in making this festive season safe,” he said, noting that SAPS has bolstered its ranks with more than 3 500 newly trained constables to maintain high visibility and deter criminality.

Addressing high-profile investigations, Masemola referenced the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry ‘s “witness D” Marius Van Der Merwe case, in which three persons of interest have been identified and one has been questioned. “Investigations are on the right track,” he said, noting that the NatJoints and Madlanga Commission have coordinated measures to heighten security around officials and witnesses.

Van der Merve was gunned down outside his home in Brakpan in front of his wife and young children. Suspects used an AK47 riffle, police confirmed.

“Let’s all work together to make this festive season safe and secure for everyone in the country,” Masemola concluded. “As much as police are out there to protect you, communities must assist us to takedown these hardened criminals. Remember, if you see something, say something.”

The Commissioner’s visit to Saulsville reinforces SAPS’s commitment to proactive policing, community engagement, and targeted operations to curb violent crime, particularly during the festive period when illegal alcohol and drug activities often spike. With increased intelligence capabilities, additional personnel, and community cooperation, SAPS aims to ensure citizens’ safety and reduce criminal activity nationwide.