JOHANNESBURG - The festive season is just around the corner, but celebrations often come with the risk of crime and violence.
This past weekend, 12 people were shot dead in Saulsville, Pretoria, in what has become the third tavern shooting in the area since last year.
To understand the rise in mass shootings and shifting crime patterns, eNCA spoke to crime expert Mike Bolhuis, who says the country is entering its most crime-ridden period of the year.
Bolhuis warns that while police are doing everything they can to combat high crime levels, criminals are taking full advantage of the festive season, treating it as an opportunity to “make as much as they can”.
READ| Saulsville Mass Shooting | Death toll rises to 12, including 3 minors
He says robberies and attacks usually increase in December, but what is more alarming is how violence has escalated.
A recent report by the South African Police Service revealed that out of a total of 51,844 liquor establishments inspected, a total of 3,665 illegal taverns and shebeens have been shut down.
Additionally 6 641 suspects have been arrested for selling liquor illegally since the start of our safer festive operations on 13 October 2025.
During this period, SAPS says that it has also seized and disposed of 297,804 litres of alcohol that were sold illegally.
#sapsHQ [SAFER FESTIVE SEASON OPERATIONS ACROSS SA]
Out of a total of 51 844 liquor establishments inspected, a total of 3 665 illegal taverns and shebeens have been shut down and 6 641 suspects have been arrested for selling liquor illegally since the start of our safer festive… pic.twitter.com/OA6bWySAtg— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) December 8, 2025
Bolhuis says these statistics are just a tip of the iceberg
“A lot of police on their way out grab a box or two. And in this Saulsville shooting, people came in, it was a hit. I think the kids were targeted and the owner was targeted,” he said, not ruling out the possibility of interconnected crimes involving territorial fights, drug or even robberies.
Bolhuis warns that law enforcement needs urgent reinforcement and improved resources to keep pace of criminals