MORE than 800 suspects were arrested in a joint Festive Season Operation by various SAPS clusters and units across KZN between 2 asnd 4 November.
The operation, which was officially launched at Princess Magogo Stadium in kwaMashu on Friday, 3 November, was part of the safer festive season initiative to curb ciminal actvities in the province.
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Police arrested a total of 807 suspects for various crimes such as murder, rape, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, possession of drugs, armed robbery, theft of motor vehicle, possession of counterfeit goods and other cases. More than 200 suspects were arrested for drunken driving. During the operations police also recovered drugs such as rock cocaine, dagga and heroin as well as five unlicensed firearms, four stolen vehicles and a large quantity of alcohol.
Immediately after the launch of the operation, a joint operation was conducted in the KwaMashu area. Police proceeded to KwaMashu Men’s hostel where a 50-year-old suspect was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. A total of ten suspects were arrested for various crimes in the KwaMashu area. In another operation, Umlazi SAPS members spotted a red Mini Cooper driving along Arbour Road, Amanzimtoti with two different registration plates. When police intercepted the vehicle, the suspects opened fire at police who retaliated. No one was injured during the shooting. Police recovered a 9mm pistol with 14 rounds of ammunition, house breaking implements, three cellphones and other exhibits in the vehicle. Investigations revealed that the vehicle was stolen from Pietermaritzburg in 2014. The suspects aged 27 and 38 will appear in the Umbumbulu Magistrates Court tomorrow on charges of attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, reckless and negligent driving and possession of suspected stolen property.
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“The results of the Festive Season Operations conducted over these three days prove that the SAPS and our partners in the province are committed towards combatting all forms of crimes in the KZN. These operations will continue to make sure that all the criminals who terrorise our community are locked behind bars where they belong,” said the KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa.
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