Violent crimes are a serious concern across KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in the South African Police Services (SAPS) upping their game and cracking down on wrong-doers.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said, “The continuous police operations in the province have resulted in the recovery of 89 firearms and the arrests of 2252 suspects for crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder and robberies.”
Over a period of a week, from 13 March to 20 March 2023, police successfully recovered 68 pistols, 10 rifles, 4 shotguns and 7 homemade firearms. In addition to this, Colonel Netshiunda said 1418 rounds of ammunition of various calibre were also seized. A total of 34 suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Moreover, over 2 500 tablets of an assortment of drugs, including mandrax, heroin and ecstasy were also recovered during the operations.
“Of the arrested suspects, 757 of them were nabbed for contact crimes. 47 suspects were put behind bars in connection with cases of murder, 32 suspects were arrested in relation with cases of attempted murder and 49 suspected robbers were cornered and nabbed for robberies with aggravating circumstances, house and business robberies, as well as carjacking,” said Colonel Netshuinda.
In cases perpetrated against women and children, 64 suspects were apprehended for rape and 49 people were also arrested as a result of the transgression of the Domestic Violence Act.
The Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has commended police officers for the successful execution of the provincial operations, amid added responsibilities of having to ensure police visibility for the recent National Shutdown.
“We had a busy week but dedicated police officers ensured that criminals felt their presence on the streets. The removal of 89 firearms from wrong hands will definitely prevent some murders which could have been committed using those firearms. We have a responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of residents and we shall continue to operationalise intelligence and infiltrate crime-ridden areas to remove all criminal elements from our communities,” said Lt Gen Mkhwanazi.
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