Since the launch of the Festive Season Operations in Koffiefontein, more police boots have hit the ground running, resulting in many successes.
The Provincial Commissioner of the police in the Free State, Lieutenant General BB Motswenyane promised the community that police will visit taverns, which is a headache for many communities. Rapes, assaults and even murders take place at the taverns or as a result of what happens at the taverns. In order to address compliance at taverns and liquor outlets, police visited 912 liquor outlets from 21 November 2022 to 27 November 2022. Fines were issued to two outlets, and 668 litres of liquor were confiscated. Several investigations came from places where police and the Free State Liquor Board worked together to look into the licences of those liquor outlets.
During the mentioned period, 256 people were arrested for various crimes, including contact crimes, property crimes and crimes depending on police actions, including 48 illegal immigrants.
Throughout the province, the police were highly visible, and several successes were achieved by dedicated and hardworking police officers. Drug peddlers met with the full might of the law as 38 were arrested throughout the province. Police pounced on drug peddlers at Jacobsdal, Phuthdaditjhaba, Navalsig, Harrismith, Bethlehem, Welkom and Tseki. Drugs such as Nyaope, Mandrax, Dagga and CAT were confiscated.
Several suspects were also arrested where livestock was recovered in Arlington and Tierpoort. Thirty-four sheep were recovered in these two incidents.
Seven suspects were arrested in connection with armed robberies in Ladybrand and Jacobsdal. In Dewetsdorp, an unlicensed firearm was also confiscated and a suspect and his partner were arrested.
During these intensified operations, members also confiscated 31 dangerous weapons.
“It is clear that the police in the Free State are working around the clock to ensure that people enjoy a safer festive season. I would like to thank police officers for their dedication and commitment to bringing perpetrators to justice,” Lt Gen Motswenyane said.

Source: South African Police Service