Durban — Police in Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) have continued with intensified efforts in bringing justice to women and children after making more than 200 suspects due to rape.
During November 2024, the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) detectives tracked, traced and arrested 235 suspects in connection with rape, as the country observes 16 Days of Activism on No Violence against Women and Children, a statement read.
KZN police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) has led to the arrest of 227 suspects for the transgression of the Domestic Violence Act, while 39 suspects were arrested for sexual assault.
“These were among 13 054 suspects who were arrested for different crime categories during various operations. Three thousand nine hundred and seventy-seven (3 977) suspects were arrested for contact crime, with 194 and 199 suspects arrested for murder and attempted murder cases respectively,” he said.
Netshiunda reported that 69 suspects were arrested for house robbery, 40 suspects were brought in for business robbery, and 1 949 suspects were arrested for cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
#sapsKZN #sapsFCS Unit Detecitves in KwaZulu-Natal have in the month of November 2024, tracked, traced and arrested 235 suspects in connection with cases of rape.
As the country observes #16DaysOfActivism awareness campaign, the fight against #GBV has also resulted in the… pic.twitter.com/3jEipNOsdn
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) December 3, 2024
Netshiunda said most violent crimes in the province are committed through the use of a firearm, as police continue to recover illegal firearms.
“During November operations, police recovered 361 firearms, inclusive of 31 rifles, 19 shotguns and 15 homemade firearms. Three thousand three hundred and fifty-two (3 352) rounds of ammunition of various calibre of firearms were recovered in the process,” Netshiunda added.
He added that alcohol was a big contributing factor in assault cases and other contact crimes. Police arrested 394 people for drinking and being drunk in public places, while 741 people were arrested for illegal dealing in liquor, and 10 were nabbed for illegal distribution of liquor. Netshiunda added that police would remain extra vigilant ahead of the festive season.
“With the festivities of the festive season underway, police operations will continue and no lawlessness will be tolerated. Community members are encouraged to celebrate responsibly and always respect the rule of law,” he concluded.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen