KwaZulu-Natal province arrested most of the drunk drivers.
The South African Police Service (SAPs) says their nationwide Easter operations have netted more than 15,000 suspects, bolstering efforts to tackle crime and enhance public safety over the holiday period.
SAPS said major clean-up operations resulted in 15,840 arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms.
The operation, which involved multiple law enforcement agencies and was led by SAPS, implemented increased visibility patrols, roadblocks and targeted crime-prevention initiatives.
illegal firearms
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said 132 illegal and unlicensed firearms, including 1,097 rounds of ammunition, were seized.
“The KwaZulu-Natal province (KZN) captured the majority of handguns, with 42 seized. A total of 747 dangerous weapons, including knives, were also seized. These seizures are an important step forward in our ongoing fight against violent crime.”
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Inn
A total of 532 illegal taverns and taverns were also closed due to non-compliance of the Liquor Act, Mathe said.
“Among them, 773 people found selling liquor without a valid liquor license were also arrested. The majority of those without a liquor license were arrested in KZN (299) and Mpumalanga, with 209 suspects arrested.”
drunk driving
During enforcement operations, 1,419 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
“KwaZulu-Natal province arrested the most drunk drivers with 588, followed by Mpumalanga with 199 and Eastern Cape province with 197,” Mathe said.
drugs
A total of 1,744 suspects were also arrested for drug possession, Mathe said.
“The majority of arrests took place in the Western Cape with 737, followed by KZN with 341.”
Other arrests
Details of other arrests include:
- Attack GBH: 1342
- Murder: 146
- Attempted murder: 123
- Rape:189
- Domestic robbers: 171 Drug dealing: 334
“SAPS National Commissioner, General Fanny Masemola, has commended the dedication and bravery of our law enforcement officers who work tirelessly – often in dangerous circumstances – to rid our communities of crime, and said their efforts are making a tangible difference to the country,” Mathe said.
Investigation is ongoing.
Also read: Police arrested nearly 17,000 suspects in a week for various crimes in South Africa
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