DURBAN - During the month of March, police in Kwazulu-Natal embarked on numerous multi-disciplinary operations aimed at reducing the high levels of crime, particularly contact crimes. Various operational concepts were undertaken in targeted areas that had specific crime threats. These operations were conducted at all eleven districts in the KwaZulu-Natal province.

A total of 9169 suspects were arrested for various crimes. Police managed to arrest 198 suspects for murder, 157 for attempted murder, 291 for robberies, 259 for rape, 2033 for assault, 289 for burglary and 1568 suspects were arrested for drug related crimes. Large quantities of drugs such as possession of heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, crystal meth, and dagga were seized by police.

Counterfeit goods, including cigarettes were also seized during police operations. Stolen property including 205 vehicles that were stolen or robbed from their lawful owners, were recovered by police. Another 43 vehicles were seized after they were used in the commission of crimes.

Police also seized 282 firearms during these operation. Among the firearm seized were 16 homemade firearms, 237 revolvers, 15 rifles, 9 shotguns, five semi-automatic firearms. A total of 2897 rounds of ammunition were also seized during operations. Livestock such as cattle, donkeys, goats and sheep were recovered by police.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi commended police officers across the province for their commitment in rooting out criminality. “These results are an indication that criminality will not be tolerated and ordinary citizens are working with police to clean up their neighbourhoods.”

Source: South African Police Service