Crime increased dramatically in the greater Ballito area after Christmas.
According to Umhlali SAPS this has become an annual trend, following the influx of visitors to the area.
Between December 27 and 30, one house break-in, one business burglary and five armed robberies were reported in Ballito. There were five assaults in Ballito and surrounds, two stabbings in Etete and Nkobongo and two knife-point robberies in Etete and Ballito.
From December 30 to New Year’s Day, eight homes and two businesses were burgled in Ballito and there were five house break-ins in Etete, Nkobongo and surrounding farms. Three assaults were reported during the same period, as well as two armed robberies near Etete and one in Shakaskraal.
On New Year’s Day, a 13-year-old girl was raped near the Tinley Manor railway station.
Between December 27 and January 1, 40 people were arrested for drunk driving, 11 for drinking in public, five for possession of marijuana, 10 for road traffic violations and six for selling liquor without a license.