Durban — The police intensification of safer festive season operations in KwaZulu-Natal has seen 2 776 people arrested for various crimes and the recovery of firearms.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said: “In the past two weeks, various police interventions have resulted in the recovery of 56 firearms, five of which were rifles and a total of 1 393 assortment of live rounds of ammunition were also removed from the streets.”
He said that during the operations, 883 suspects were arrested for contact crimes like attempted murder, murder and assault.
He also said that 16 people were arrested for kidnapping, 506 suspects were busted for drug-related crimes, and 27 suspects were arrested after they were found to be driving under the influence of alcohol.
Colonel Netshiunda said that with Project 10 000 providing more boots on the ground towards enhanced police visibility, “police officers will be out in full force patrolling all the tourist attractions and known hotspots. Safety and security of the residents of KwaZulu-Natal is of paramount importance, and motorists who will be found to be behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol will be met with the strict might of the law.”
Moreover, he applauded community members who continue to provide valuable information that leads to the prevention of crime as well as the apprehension of suspects.
Recently, IOL reported that the SAPS national commissioner General Fannie Masemola said the police’s priority this festive season would include intensifying campaigns and police actions towards addressing gender-based violence and femicide; intensifying efforts to combat aggravated robberies such as cash-in-transit heists, ATM bombings, car-jacking, robberies at residential and business premises; enhancing border security.
Colonel Netshiunda said the public should make use of the anonymous tip-offs, which can be relayed by dialling the Crime Stop number: 0860 010 111 or via the MySAPS App.
Daily News