Police Minister Senzo Mchunu visited KwaZulu-Natal starting at Mtunzini Plaza, to assess the operational readiness of Safer Festive Season Operations in the province. | SAPS
Durban — Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has lauded the police in KwaZulu-Natal for their crime-fighting measures during the festive season.
On Monday, Mchunu and the police top brass, including provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and national police commissioner Fannie Masemola, visited the Mtunzini Plaza, north of the province, to assess the police’s work in a bid to curb crime during the festive season.
“While South Africans are enjoying the festivities of the Christmas holiday, our men and women in blue remain resolute in their fight against all forms of criminality, making it difficult for criminals to sleep at night,” said Mchunu.
“It is encouraging to note that these operations are unfolding with more boots on the ground. I am happy to announce that this province also received the largest share of the newly trained constables, with more than 560 additional boots on the ground.”
Mchunu said from October 1 to date, a total of 38 966 suspects have been arrested for various crimes ranging from murder, rape, assault grievous bodily harm (GBH) and the possession of illegal firearms.
Of those arrested, 11 199 were locked up for contact crimes which include murder, attempted murder, assault GBH and malicious property damage.
A total of 915 firearms have been seized since October 1.
“A total of 1 997 dangerous weapons have also been seized during this period – these include knives and other sharp objects. A staggering 2 544 unlicensed liquor premises have also been shut down since the start of our operations,” said Mchunu.
“It is important to note that these operations are running concurrently with Operation Shanela, which is our integrated multidisciplinary operations that are running every week with other law enforcement agencies and other government departments.”
Mchunu said since the beginning of October, 110 women have been murdered in the province. A total of 64 of them were shot and killed, 24 were stabbed to death, 15 were beaten to death, four suffered blunt force trauma and three others were burned to death.
“Of concern is that the majority of these women were killed by people known to them. As the police ministry, we reaffirm our commitment to putting an end to the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the country.
“We cannot do it alone as the police and therefore urge communities to play an active role in reporting these incidents timeously to the police or other authorities to save more lives. The fact that these crimes happen behind closed doors and between intimate partners makes it a challenge for police to detect. Those closer and are in reach of these victims, like family members, ought to work closely with the police and report these matters timeously. We need full and maximum co-operation from families, friends, neighbours and everyone in communities who are aware of the abuse of young women,” he said.
Mchunu said they would continue to work tirelessly in probing violent incidents to ensure lawbreakers face the full might of the law.
“We continue to urge our members on the ground to be extra vigilant of their surroundings and always ensure they have their protective gear on at all times.”
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