Improved police visibility, amplified resources allocation and targeted police operations did not only manage to prevent major crimes from happening and keeping the province stable, but also ensured that wanted suspects were traced and arrested. In the month of December 2023, which included the busy festive holiday season, police in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested a total of 10 622 suspects for various categories of crime.
Three thousand three hundred and fifty five suspects were arrested for contact crimes, with 214 of them nabbed for murder. One hundred and ninety six more suspects were arrested in connection with cases of attempted murder. The fight against all kinds of robberies, inclusive of business robberies, house robberies, robberies with aggravating circumstances and carjacking was intensified, and as a result 173 suspects were arrested for the crimes. In the process, 282 firearms, including 11 rifles and 12 homemade firearms were removed from society. Over 2 400 rounds of ammunition were also recovered.
The safety of women and children remains top of the agenda and to rid the communities of all sexual predators, a total of 243 suspects were removed from society for their alleged involvement in cases of rape and sexual assault. The irresponsible consumption of liquor remains the major contributing factor to cases of assault. In the month of December only, 1 669 suspects were arrested for assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm. Six hundred and twenty five more suspects were also arrested for common assault. Seven hundred and thirty nine people were arrested for illegal dealing and distribution of liquor.
A cooperation between community structures and private crime prevention partners have been bearing fruit and those who commit property-related crimes have also been met with the wrath of the law. Three hundred and sixty six suspects were nabbed for burglaries, theft of and from motor vehicle and stock theft.
The increased police visibility on the roads was not in vain. Various roadblocks, vehicle check points and stop and search operations resulted in the arrest of 835 people for driving under the influence of alcohol. One thousand three hundred and twenty three suspects were arrested for drug-related crimes. Dangerous weapons such as 609 knives, 11 axes and 19 pangas were also confiscated.
Relentless police operations continue and the police in KwaZulu-Natal appreciate the partnership with community structures and the E2 Project partners which continue to suffocate criminals and strive for peace and stability within communities.
