KWAZULU-NATAL POLICE TACKLE CRIME HEAD-ON: OVER 11,000 SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN ONE MONTH

• ⁠In May, authorities arrested 232 individuals suspected of rape and 10 individuals suspected of attempted rape, demonstrating a strong commitment to combatting gender-based violence.
• Violent Crime and Firearm Recovery: 161 murder and 192 attempted murder suspects were arrested, with 287 illegal firearms — including rifles — seized.
• Public Safety and Community Involvement: 11,600 total arrests stemmed from robust police work and community cooperation, targeting everything from DUIs to stolen livestock.

In a powerful demonstration of their resolve to fight crime, KwaZulu-Natal police arrested over 11,600 suspects during routine patrols and targeted operations in May 2025. Among those arrested were 232 individuals suspected of rape, along with 10 others accused of attempted rape, underscoring the province’s ongoing battle against gender-based violence.
The month-long crackdown saw 161 murder suspects and 192 attempted murder suspects taken into custody. Police also seized 287 illegal firearms, including 16 rifles, and arrested 182 suspects for serious violent crimes such as carjackings, house robberies, and armed business heists.
Beyond violent crimes, the operations made significant inroads against social and economic crimes. More than 2,500 suspects were arrested for assaults, and 417 were linked to burglaries and theft. Law enforcement efforts on the roads led to 535 arrests for driving under the influence and 1,161 arrests for liquor-related offences — from public drinking to illegal alcohol manufacturing.
In the fight to remove dangerous weapons from public spaces, police confiscated 709 weapons, including 637 knives and 24 pangas. They also managed to recover 131 stolen livestock, ranging from cattle to goats and poultry.
Police have credited much of their success to community support, stating that public tip-offs remain vital in combating crime and tracking suspects. Multi-disciplinary operations will continue throughout the province as part of an intensified campaign to enhance safety and restore public trust.