Durban — Police in KwaZulu-Natal arrested 235 suspected rapists in November.
That as provincial police continue their intensified efforts to bring to justice those who violate the rights of women and children.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said: “In November 2024, the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) detectives have tracked, traced and arrested 235 suspects in connection with cases of rape.
“As the country observes 16 Days of Activism on No Violence Against Women and Children, the fight against gender-based violence has also resulted in the arrest of 227 suspects for the transgression of the Domestic Violence Act and 39 more suspects were arrested for sexual assault.
“These were among 13 054 suspects who were arrested for different crime categories during various operations,” Netshiunda said.
Breaking that down, Netshiunda said 3 977 suspects were arrested for contact crime, with 194 and 199 suspects arrested for murder and attempted murder cases respectively.
He said 69 suspects were arrested for house robbery, 40 suspects were brought to book concerning business robbery cases whilst 1 949 suspects were arrested for cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Netshiunda said more violent crimes in the province are committed by using a firearm, therefore, police continue to recover firearms, most of which are illegal.
“During November operations, police recovered 361 firearms, inclusive of 31 rifles, 19 shotguns and 15 home-made firearms. Three thousand three hundred and fifty-two rounds of ammunition of various calibres of firearms were recovered in the process,” Netshiunda said.
He stated that alcohol is a major contributing factor to assault and other contact crimes.
“During the operations, police arrested 394 people for drinking and being drunk in a public place. Seven hundred and forty-one people were arrested for illegal dealing in liquor, whereas 10 people were nabbed for illegal distribution of liquor,” he said.
“With the festivities of the festive season under way, police operations will continue and no lawlessness will be tolerated. Community members are encouraged to celebrate responsibly and always respect the rule of law,” Netshiunda added.
Meanwhile, of the 12 593 suspects who were arrested during various operations by KZN police in October, 250 suspected rapists were among them.
“Those who commit domestic-related crimes were also traced and arrested. Two hundred and sixty-one (261) suspects were arrested for transgression of the Domestic Violence Act, 56 suspects were arrested for kidnapping and four more suspects were nabbed for child abuse,” Netshiunda said.
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