A WEEK-LONG police operation, aimed at eradicating serious and violent crimes, saw the arrest of more than 600 people.

“Weekly focused operations will be the norm in KZN as we work hard at turning the vicious circle of crime that has beset communities in this province. Rapid response teams will be deployed during these operations to enable police to nab those that wish to escape the snare,”  said KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula after he commended the police for their work.

In a statement Lieutenant General Jula said the operations were conducted simultaneously across the province focusing on those periods when crimes are most prevalent.

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“During operations carried out from 25 February 2020 until 1 March 2020, 660 suspects were arrested for various crimes in the province. Operations were focused on violent crimes such as murder and robbery as well as the generators of crime such as alcohol and drugs. Included in the arrests, were 31 who were arrested for murder and attempted murder. Police also arrested 137 persons for drug possession while 35 were arrested for dealing in alcohol without a valid licence. During these operations 101 were arrested for serious assaults which sometimes leads to death,” he added.

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“Police visited illegal liquor outlets which are one of our crime generators and a large quantity of alcohol was seized as the establishments failed to comply with provisions of the Liquor Act,” said Lt Jula. What’s more drugs such as mandrax; heroin; cocaine and dagga were also seized as police clamped down on drug users and drug dealers.

Lt Jula has appealed to anyone with information, with regards to criminal activity, to contact Crime Stop on 0800 00 10111. Police have also encouraged all citizens to download the MySAPSApp through the Play Store, any iPhone or Android device.

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