Police seize 287 firearms and make 11007 arrests in February

In a major crackdown on crime, police in KwaZulu-Natal have recovered 287 firearms, including 13 rifles, along with 5 825 rounds of ammunition during operations conducted throughout February 2025.

These efforts also led to the arrest of 11 007 suspects for various criminal activities.

KwaZulu Natal SAPS spokesman Colonel Robert Netshiunda said firearms continue to be the weapon of choice for criminals involved in violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, and armed robbery. 

He said law enforcement officials arrested 151 suspects for murder, 159 for attempted murder, and 217 for serious robbery-related crimes, including robbery with aggravating circumstances, carjacking, cash-in-transit heists, as well as home and business robberies.

“Detectives played a key role in bringing perpetrators to justice, with 217 suspects arrested for rape, 37 for sexual assault, and 2 547 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and common assault. Property-related crimes were also addressed, with 439 suspects arrested for burglaries at homes and businesses, stock theft, and theft of and from motor vehicles,” said Colonel Netshiunda.

Additionally, police confiscated 626 dangerous weapons, that included 562 knives, 12 axes, and 20 machetes, resulting in the arrest of 163 individuals. Law enforcement also detained 569 undocumented foreign nationals for violating the Immigration Act.

“Liquor-related offenses were another major focus of the operations. A total of 1 107 individuals were arrested for crimes such as public drinking, illegal liquor distribution, and unauthorized manufacturing of alcohol. In a further effort to combat stock theft, police recovered 34 cattle, 46 goats, 33 sheep, and four horses during the month-long operation,” he said. 

Colonel Netshiunda said police were committed to ensuring public safety and have urged community members to co-operate with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious activities.