Police arrested five people during a crime crackdown targeting drugs, illegal liquor trading and wanted criminals in Etete and surrounds.

The operation, led by Umhlali Saps with support from neighbouring police stations, resulted in the seizure of drugs, alcohol and an abandoned knife during patrols and stop-and-search operations.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Makhosi Khumalo said two people were arrested for possession of suspected cocaine after officers confiscated small packets containing substances believed to be drugs.

One person was arrested for allegedly trading alcohol illegally, one person was arrested for theft, while another suspect wanted in connection with a murder case was also taken into custody.

Police conducted vehicle patrols, stop-and-search operations and cordon-and-search activities.

“In township communities, the illegal sale of alcohol plays a major role in the crime we are seeing. We have also seen murder cases where alcohol was a contributing factor, with some incidents involving people who were at, or on their way from, taverns and shebeens,” said Khumalo.

The arrests come amid growing concerns over violent crime in the area. Earlier this month, a rape case was reported in Etete after a woman allegedly woke up during the early hours of May 2 to find a man sexually assaulting her following a night of drinking with neighbours. The suspect fled and no arrest has yet been made.

In another incident, a 15-year-old boy from Shaka’s Head was shot dead after six armed men allegedly arrived at his home looking for him. He was chased and killed while trying to hide. Police recovered 24 spent 9mm cartridges and 11 projectiles at the scene.

Police crime statistics released in February showed attempted murder, murder, assault and rape cases all increased during the third quarter. Although some categories, such as robbery, declined slightly, violent crime continues to rise.