More than 9000 arrests made in anti-crime ops

NIYANTA SINGH|Published 1 year ago

These firearms were among the weapons seized during operations conducted by police in KZN during June when more than 9 400 suspects were arrested.

More than 9 400 people were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal during police operations in June, with most of the arrests related to contact crimes.

During the anti-crime operations carried out across all 11 districts within the province, which also included arrests made during Operation Shanela (a high density operation), 1 630kg of drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, crystal meth, heroine, mandrax and ecstasy were also seized.

Police spokesman Brigadier Jay Naicker said of the 2 809 people were arrested for contact crimes – 189 were arrested for murder, 142 for attempted murder, 226 for robberies, 187 for rape and 1 864 for assaults, with the remainder having been arrested for property crimes.

A total of 1 387 people were arrested for drug-related crimes, 472 for driving under the influence of alcohol and 118 for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

For the same period, police charged 75 for kidnapping, 157 for transgression of the Domestic Violence Act and 803 for liquor related offences.

A total of 803 people were arrested for liquor-related crimes during June, and pictured is some of the 33 407 litres of alcohol which was confiscated.

Brigadier Naicker said during these operations, police officers seized 1 630kg of drugs which included cannabis, cocaine, crystal meth, heroine, mandrax and ecstasy. Police also seized 645 dangerous weapons such as knives and pangas.

Police also seized knives during its clampdown on crime during June.

“The province-wide clampdown resulted in the recovery of 268 firearms, of which 242 were pistols, and 2 731 rounds of ammunition. With alcohol being one of the major contributors to crime, 33 407 litres of alcohol was seized as police closed in on illegal liquor outlets. Police operations also resulted in 195 stolen and robbed vehicles being recovered,” said Brigadier Naicker.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi commended police officers involved in the operation.

“I want to thank these officers for their unwavering devotion in ensuring that criminals are kept behind bars and call on communities to continue to work with local police and community crime fighting structures. We have to send a strong message to criminals that crime will not be tolerated,” said Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi.

Anyone with information related to criminal activities is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or report crimes anonymously via the MySAPSApp.