Cali recorded 16 homicides over the velitas weekend, from December 7 to 9, 2025. Most cases relate to fights, intolerance, and alcohol consumption, according to the Metropolitan Police. This brings the city close to 1,000 homicides for the year so far.
Cali's velitas weekend was overshadowed by a surge in violence, resulting in 16 homicides across various neighborhoods. Brigadier General Henry Yesid Bello Cubides, commander of the Metropolitan Police of Cali, reported that these incidents took place between Saturday, December 7, and Monday, December 9, 2025. Authorities link most cases to intolerance, fights, and alcohol consumption, though some involve vendettas and prior disputes.
General Bello urged the public to promote peaceful coexistence and avoid violent behavior during the December festivities. Over the period, more than 8,400 calls were made to the 123 emergency line, many tied to conflicts during celebrations. Consequently, police arrested 60 individuals, seized 11 firearms, and recovered 12 vehicles.
Notable incidents include a man in Comuna 18 who died after being shot multiple times in a fight outside a commercial establishment in Meléndez around 6 a.m. on Monday. In another event in the eastern part of the city, two people were attacked by criminals who fled on a motorcycle while they were outside their home. Investigations continue, aided by public and private security cameras to identify perpetrators.
Most homicides showed no direct ties to score-settling or drug trafficking. To address the issue, General Bello outlined strengthened interventions in high-risk areas and special operations in zones with heavy foot traffic from residents and visitors during the year-end season. Comparendos were also issued for behaviors undermining coexistence and safety, aiming to prevent threats to the lives of Cali's residents.