The holiday season in KwaZulu-Natal was marred by a wave of criminal activities, with alcohol abuse emerging as a significant factor in many of the reported crimes. The South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted a month-long crackdown in December, resulting in the arrest of 15,294 suspects across various offenses.
Contact crimes, particularly assault cases, topped the list with 5,158 arrests, including 256 for murder and 274 for attempted murder. Many of these crimes involved the use of dangerous weapons such as firearms and knives, leading to the confiscation of 359 firearms, 3,195 rounds of ammunition, and 769 knives during the operations.
Alcohol consumption was identified as a major contributing factor in assault cases, with 2,525 suspects arrested for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Public drunkenness also led to widespread arrests, with 554 individuals detained for being drunk in public spaces and 304 for drinking in public.
Road safety efforts highlighted the role of alcohol in accidents, with 1,117 drivers arrested for driving under the influence. The illegal liquor trade was also targeted, resulting in the arrest of 887 individuals for illegal dealing in alcohol, as well as other related offenses.
Crimes targeting homes and businesses were prevalent, with 264 suspects arrested for residential burglaries and 197 for robbery with aggravating circumstances, house robberies, business robberies, and carjackings. Drug-related offenses remained a persistent issue, accounting for 1,367 arrests, while crimes against women and children were prioritized, leading to the arrest of 296 suspects for rape.
The KwaZulu-Natal police emphasized the link between alcohol abuse and violent behavior during the festive season. The operations aimed not only to address immediate crimes but also to tackle the underlying issues of alcohol misuse and illegal liquor trading that contribute to criminal activities. It is crucial for authorities to continue their efforts in combating these issues to ensure a safer environment for all residents and visitors in the region.
