Thousands arrested over festive season
OVER three weeks there were 1 390 reported murders and attempted murders in South Africa.
Police said they had also recorded 8 001 assaults with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) cases, which was the leading offence among all crimes committed between December 17 last year and January 7.
Further to this, 1 252 incidents of rape and 2 812 common assault cases were reported. There were also 3 973 people arrested for being found in possession of drugs.
These were the grim statistics shared by the national police ministry on Tuesday, with National police commissioner Fannie Masemola adding that more than 40 000 people were arrested.
“It is encouraging to note that from the peak of the holiday season in December to January 7, police have strengthened their crime-combating efforts resulting in 49 534 arrests for various crimes. To date, more than 61 051 patrols have been conducted and this will continue and be intensified as people start migrating back to their workplaces and back to school for learners.
“More than 3 330 roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints working jointly with local, provincial, and national traffic police and the Department of Health were conducted.
The focus remains on tracing wanted suspects, detecting illegal and unwanted firearms, drugs and illicit goods, drunken driving suspects, and stolen and hijacked vehicles,” said Masemola.
The arrest of four men accused of killing four people in Soshanguve on New Year’s Day and the arrest in the Gugulethu triple murders were noted as highlights.
Three mass shootings were meanwhile reported in the first week of 2024.
“We thank our communities for working closely with us during this festive period to prevent crime and trace wanted criminals by sharing tipoffs.
“Our police officers remain on the ground to ensure that we heighten visibility as it is anticipated that there will be a lot of movement on our roads. We will also monitor the release of the matric exams that will take place the same week as the opening of schools”, said Masemola.