Police say intensified operations over the Easter weekend have led to the arrest of more than 15,800 suspects for a range of criminal offences across the country.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that a total of 15,840 arrests were made, alongside the confiscation of 132 illegal firearms and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
Authorities also shut down 532 illegal taverns for non-compliance, with 773 individuals arrested for selling liquor without valid licences. KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga recorded the highest numbers of such arrests, with 299 and 209 suspects respectively.
“By shutting down illegal taverns and arresting those who sell liquor unlawfully, law enforcement is taking a firm stand against environments that enable crime to thrive,” Mathe said.
Police also arrested 1,419 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol, with KwaZulu-Natal recording the highest number of drunk driving arrests at 588. This was followed by Mpumalanga with 199 arrests and the Eastern Cape with 197.
KwaZulu-Natal also led in the seizure of illegal firearms, with 42 handguns confiscated during the operations. In addition, 747 dangerous weapons, including knives, were seized nationwide.
Mathe said the fight against drug-related crime remains a key priority, with 1,744 suspects arrested for drug possession. The Western Cape recorded the highest number of these arrests at 737, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 341.
Police also reported arrests for other serious crimes, including 1,342 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, 146 for murder, 123 for attempted murder, 189 for rape, 171 for house robbery, and 334 for dealing in drugs.
Authorities say the operations form part of ongoing efforts to improve safety and reduce crime across the country.