More than 8 000 suspects arrested in KZN since June

In just over two months, the police in KZN have arrested 8 221 suspects, 2 150 of whom have been charged with contact crimes, while 121 face murder charges.

The mass clampdown on criminals is a result of Operation Shanela Two, which was launched in June.

KZN SAPS Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo said operations such as stop-and-searches, roadblocks, suspect raids, and liquor outlet inspections have been carried out across all 11 districts.

“Firearms have been identified as the weapon of choice in murder and attempted murder cases; consequently, efforts to rid communities of illegal guns have been intensified,” said Ngcobo.

She said, so far Shanela police officers have recovered 159 unlicensed firearms and 1 872 rounds of ammunition.

“All arrested suspects have appeared in various courts across the province. Operations are ongoing to rid the streets of criminal elements and make KwaZulu-Natal a safer place.”

Operation Shanela Two numbers

8 221 suspects arrested
2 150 suspects charged with contact crimes
1 872 rounds of ammunition recovered
1 528 suspects charged for drug-related offences
1 061 suspects charged for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
159 unlicensed firearms recovered
123 suspects charged for attempted murder
87 suspects charged for rape

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