Durban — KwaZulu-Natal police have ramped up efforts to clean the slate in the crime-ridden province.
In addition to intercepting suspects involved in serious and violent crime, police arrested almost 300 suspects for the illegal dealing in liquor, almost 100 suspects for rape and recovered almost 50 firearms.
These successes were recorded during Operation Shanela nationwide from July 28 to August 4 during which police arrested 13 996 suspects.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said through detectives and crime intelligence tracing operations, roadblocks, stop and searches, police have taken a bold and decisive approach to protecting the communities that they serve.
Mathe said: “One hundred and eighty-two suspects were arrested for rape, with 80 of them being arrested in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
“Five hundred and eighty-two suspects were arrested for the illegal dealing in liquor, 262 of these arrests were effected in KZN.”
Looking at recoveries and confiscations, Mathe said: “One hundred and fifty-eight firearms were confiscated during operations, 47 of these firearms were confiscated during police operations in KZN. This is the second consecutive week in which police in KZN recovered a high number of firearms. In the week from July 21 to July 27, 2024, the province seized 40 firearms.”
“KZN police intercepted criminals involved in serious and violent crime across the province, including suspects wanted for murders, armed robberies and hijackings. During arrests, police were confronted by heavy gunfire. Two police officers were injured and hospitalised while more than 10 suspects were fatally wounded,” Mathe said on major takedowns.
Police will continue their operations to stamp the State's authority on efforts to ensure the safety and security of all people living in South Africa.
Meanwhile, KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said that in July, police recovered and seized 313 firearms during province-wide operations which also saw the arrest of 11 003 suspects for various crimes.
“The recovered firearms included 260 pistols, 19 rifles and 18 homemade firearms. Almost 5 000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres of firearms were also recovered,” Netshiunda said.
He said the province continues to fight violent crimes where firearms are used. Suspects armed with illegal firearms have been brazen in their attempts to take out police officers.
“One hundred and ninety-one murder suspects, 200 attempted murder suspects, 55 suspected house robbers, 45 business robbery suspects and 204 rape suspects were among 3 509 suspects who were arrested for contact crimes,” Netshiunda said.
He said cases of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, mainly after consuming alcohol, continue to be a cause for concern with 1 740 suspects arrested for the crime.
“In efforts to reduce the numbers of assaults where alcohol was the main factor, police have arrested 548 people for illegal dealing in liquor,” Netshiunda said.
He also said that 281 suspects were arrested for burglary at residential premises whilst 47 suspects were nabbed in connection with cases of stock theft.
Moving onto road rules, Netshiunda said police visibility on the roads, targeted roadblocks and stop and search operations resulted in the arrest of 404 people who were found to be driving under the influence of liquor.
Additionally, 1 618 suspects were arrested for drug-related crimes.
“One hundred and eighty-eight suspects were arrested for the transgression of the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act, 41 suspects were arrested for kidnapping and 499 knives were among the 567 dangerous weapons which were recovered during disruptive operations,” Netshiunda said.
KZN police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi encouraged police officers to be focused on their responsibilities towards creating a safe and secure environment for all residents and visitors in the province.
He said policing will always spark debates and as such police must never loosen their grip on the fight against crime.
“Do not be discouraged by self-proclaimed experts or analysts who find relevance only when they speak badly about the police. Such people have never experienced the dangers on the streets that you patrol on a 24-hour basis. I urge you to ignore the noise and execute your constitutional mandate with professionalism. Criminals who challenge the authority of the state by shooting at police officers should be made to feel the wrath of the law, all within the confines of the Constitution,” Mkhwanazi said.
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