KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the province combats violent crimes involving illegal firearms, as suspects brazenly target police officers.
“The recovered firearms included 260 pistols, 19 rifles and 18 home-made firearms. Almost 5 000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres of firearms were also recovered. One hundred and ninety one murder suspects, 200 attempted-murder suspects, 55 suspected house robbers, 45 business robbery suspects and 204 rape suspects were among 3 509 suspects who were arrested for contact crimes.”
Netshiunda said assault cases after alcohol consumption remain a concern, with 1740 arrests in July. To reduce alcohol-related assaults, police arrested 548 for illegal liquor dealing.
“Two hundred and eighty one suspects were arrested for burglary at residential premises while 47 suspects were nabbed in connection with cases of stock theft. Police visibility on the roads as well as targeted roadblocks and stop-and-search operations resulted in the arrest of 404 people who were found to be driving under the influence of liquor. An additional 1 618 suspects were put behind bars for drug-related crimes.
“One hundred and eighty eight suspects were arrested for the transgression of the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act, 41 suspects were arrested for kidnapping and 499 knives were among the 567 dangerous weapons which were recovered during disruptive operations,” said Netshiunda.
Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, encouraged police officers to focus on creating a safe environment for residents and visitors.
He said policing sparks debates, but officers must remain committed to fighting crime.
“Do not be discouraged by self-proclaimed experts or analysts who find relevance only when they speak badly about the police. Such people have never experienced the dangers on the streets that we patrol on a 24-hour basis. I urge you to ignore the noise and execute your constitutional mandate with professionalism. Criminals who challenge the authority of the State by shooting at police officers should be made to feel the wrath of the law, all within the confines of the Constitution,” said Mkhwanazi.
The Mercury