CAPE TOWN - On Friday morning, at least 17 people were arrested in Cape Town, including undocumented foreign nationals.
It's part of safer festive season operations focusing on hotspot areas including Delft, Manenberg, Hanover Park, Mitchells Plain and Browns Farm.
Three homes suspected of being drug dens were also searched, and Mandrax was seized at one in Delft.
WATCH: Festive season safety | Police Minister not offering criminals any holiday cheer
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has warned that criminals will not have a joyous holiday season as they crack down on crime.
Mchunu has also vowed that the pleas by Mitchells Plain children for a safe play areas will not go unheard.
He says he's determined to bring change, and even if it takes longer than expected, he says he will ensure that communities have peace.
- eNCA’s Nobesuthu Hejana reports.