Durban — KwaZulu-Natal police have recovered 81 firearms and arrested more than 2 500 suspects over various crimes across the province.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said that continuous operations by the police in KZN resulted in the arrests of a total of 2 573 suspects for various crimes around the province in a two-week period from January 26 to February 6, 2023.
“Eighty-one firearms, including four rifles and an assortment (818) of ammunition were also removed from society, with 24 suspects put behind bars for being in illegal possession of firearms and ammunition,” Netshiunda said.
“Thirty-six suspects were nabbed for murder, whilst 41 people were apprehended in connection with cases of attempted murder. On crimes against women and children, a total of 65 suspects were arrested for rape, six were busted for attempted rape, and 22 more people were nabbed for other sexual offences including sexual assault.”
Netshiunda said that police also managed to prevent violent crimes such as stabbings when 140 suspects were arrested for being in possession of knives.
“Seventy-two people were cornered and busted for their suspected involvement in a string of burglaries at residential premises. The operation also led to the arrest of 395 suspects for drug-related crimes and another eight suspects were nabbed for stock theft – six cattle, two goats and a horse were recovered in the process,” Netshiunda said.
He said that the police in the province appreciated the co-operation of law-abiding residents in the fight against crime and community members were encouraged to continue providing the police with useful information that helped in the apprehension of suspects who terrorised communities. Information and tip-offs can be provided through the SAPS crime stop number 08600 10111 as well as via the My SAPS App.
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