Police have arrested 15 840 suspects and seized 132 unlicensed firearms during heightened law enforcement operations over the Easter period.
The South African Police Service led multiple agencies in implementing increased visibility patrols, roadblocks and targeted crime-prevention initiatives across the country during the holiday week.
Suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from murder to rape. Among the seizures, 132 illegal and unlicensed firearms were confiscated along with 1 097 rounds of ammunition. KwaZulu-Natal seized the majority of handguns, with 42 recovered.
A total of 747 dangerous weapons, including knives, were also confiscated.
Law enforcement shut down 532 illegal taverns and shebeens for non-compliance with the liquor act. A total of 773 people found selling liquor without a valid licence were arrested. KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number of arrests for unlicensed liquor sales with 299, followed by Mpumalanga with 209.
Police arrested 1 419 suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol. KwaZulu-Natal recorded the most arrests for drunk driving with 588, followed by Mpumalanga with 199 and the Eastern Cape with 197.
Drug possession resulted in 1 744 arrests. The Western Cape led with 737 arrests, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 341.
Other arrests included 1 342 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, 189 for rape, 171 for house robbery, 146 for murder, 334 for dealing in drugs, 123 for attempted murder.
National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola, commended law enforcement officers for their work during the operations.
