More than 1000 arrested in festive season police blitz

KZN police arrested 1061 suspects in an Operation Fiela in KwaZulu-Natal over the festive season.
The suspects were arrested for various crimes including murder, robbery, dealing in liquor, sexual offences, assaults, possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of drugs, stock theft, housebreakings, shoplifting, drunken driving and attempted murder. The operation was conducted between 21 December 2015 and 27 December 2015. A total 7398.161g of drugs were recovered across the province. Drugs included dagga, cocaine powder, crack cocaine, heroin, whoonga and Mandrax tablets. Unlicensed firearms such as pistols, special revolvers, AK47 rifles and shotguns as well as ammunition were also recovered.
Police also recovered a total of 15 suspected stolen vehicles which will be subjected to further investigation. The recovered firearms will be sent for ballistic testing to ascertain whether they were involved in any other crimes in the country. All arrested suspects were charged accordingly and appeared in various Magistrates Courts across the province.
The Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni applauded police for their hard work which led to the arrest of such a large number of suspects and the recovery of firearms as well as drugs. “Our members will continue to strive in protecting the citizens of this province, including the holiday makers. Members of the community are encouraged to continue supporting police in the fight against crime by informing police of the whereabouts of wanted criminals,” she said.