THE KZN police ended December 2024 with a very successful Safer Festive Season operation, wherein a total of 15 294 suspects were arrested in various categories of crime. These operations, aimed at ensuring safer communities during the festive period, also resulted in the recovery of 359 firearms, 3 195 rounds of ammunition, and 769 knives.

Also read: Wentworth police raise awareness on GBV

The crime combat measures included the efforts of Wentworth police, driving and mounting multi-disciplinary interventions on crime reduction at their doorstep. The combined team of Wentworth police and Metro K9 conducted operations with Tactical Security patrolling Hime Street flats on December 18 when they acted upon a drug-related tip-off.

Matching the suspect’s description, they arrested one man and confiscated 300 pieces of rock cocaine, 100 heroin capsules, and 574 ecstasy tablets. He was charged and later remanded to Westville Prison awaiting his court appearance.

A large-scale operation on December 20 targeted roads and crime. Metro K9, eThekwini District members, and private security teams supported Wentworth police in executing a roadblock, vehicle checkpoint and stop-and-search patrols. Offences included driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal weapons and ammunition, illicit drugs, unlicensed motor vehicles/drivers, and recovered stolen property.

Colonel Sinayo Mtshali, the Wentworth police station commander, commended the collaborative efforts between the police and the community partners.

Festive season statistics:

Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, revealed further statistics for the festive season:

• Contact crimes arrests included 5 158, with 256 for murder and 274 for attempted murder. A total of 197 suspects were arrested for robbery-related crimes while 296 others were arrested for rape and 2 525 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
• Of the drug-related cases, there were 1 367 arrests.
• Alcohol-related crimes had 1 117 cases of driving under the influence, 304 of public drinking and 554 cases of being drunk in public places. Operations against illegal alcohol trading also resulted in 15 cases of illegal liquor distribution and 26 cases of illegal liquor production.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.