By Staff Reporter
A total of 51 suspects were arrested for various offences during the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, police in the Eastern Cape have stated.
The offences included drunk driving and contravention of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002.
The provincial SAPS deployed 105 officers, including members from various specialised units, “who ensured the safety of residents and visitors during this flagship event of the Eastern Cape”.
Police said the integrated deployments assisted in maintaining heightened visibility and resource mobilisation in all hot-spot areas, including the high-profile activities.
Through the 11 days of Festival, from Thursday 26 June to Sunday 6 July, there were “no serious reported incidents”.
Acting provincial commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso thanked all law enforcement agencies involved for “their dedicated service and seamless collaboration in ensuring the safety and security of festival-goers and residents throughout the deployment period”.
Kupiso said that the SAPS in the Eastern Cape would continue to support the National Arts Festival, as its growth and success also depended on safety.
National Arts Festival CEO Monica Newton said: “The Festival was not informed of any major crime incidents during the 2025 Festival at our daily Joint Operations Committee sessions and had an incident-free event in our own theatres and venues. The Festival team is enormously grateful for the support and work of the Provincial Commissioner, SAPS members and all members of other security services who supported the 2025 Festival and made sure that the event was safe and without any serious incidents.”
