More than 15,800 suspects were arrested across South Africa during Easter week as part of intensified police operations.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), together with other law enforcement agencies, conducted high-visibility patrols, roadblocks, and targeted crime prevention operations during the holiday period.
These operations led to the arrest of 15,840 suspects for various crimes, including murder, rape, assault, and drug-related offences.
Police also seized 132 illegal and unlicensed firearms along with over 1,000 rounds of ammunition. KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number of firearm seizures, with 42 handguns confiscated.
In addition, 747 dangerous weapons, including knives, were taken off the streets.
Authorities also focused on illegal alcohol trading. A total of 532 illegal taverns and shebeens were shut down for non-compliance with the law.
More than 700 people were arrested for selling alcohol without valid licences, with the highest numbers recorded in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
During the same period, 1,419 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number of drunk driving arrests.
Police also made 1,744 arrests related to drug possession, with the Western Cape leading in the number of cases.
Other arrests included:
- Assault GBH: 1,342
- Murder: 146
- Attempted murder: 123
- Rape: 189
- House robbery: 171
- Drug dealing: 334
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola commended law enforcement officers for their efforts, saying their work is helping to make communities safer.
