More than 140 murder suspects were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal in May alone.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesman Colonel Robert Netshiunda said 145 of the 9595 people arrested last month were booked for murder.

“Despite the deployment of over 17000 police officers to safeguard the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, day-to-day policing continued unhindered and police in KwaZulu-Natal managed to arrest 9 595 suspects in connection with various crimes in the month of May.”

“Three thousand one hundred and twenty-four suspects were arrested for contact crimes, 145 of them having been brought to book for murder cases. Another 186 suspects were nabbed for their alleged involvement in cases of attempted murder.”

“A total number of 295 firearms, inclusive of 11 rifles, 11 shotguns and 12 homemade firearms were removed from the streets. Two thousand four hundred and ninety four ammunition of various calibre of firearms were also recovered,” he said.

Netshiunda said 205 suspects were arrested for rape, 12 for attempted rape and 32 for sexual assault

“Another 155 suspects were arrested for the transgression of the Domestic Violence Act,” he said.

Police cornered and arrested 172 robbery suspects.

“Thirty-eight of those suspects were suspected to have been involved in a string of house robberies. One thousand four hundred and eighty-nine suspects were arrested for assaulting others with an intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Six hundred and eight more suspects were brought to justice in relation with cases of common assault.”

“Investigations into property-related crimes led to the arrest of 393 suspects, 216 of them suspected to be involved in cases of burglary at residential premises. Forty-nine people were arrested for stock theft, 338 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, and another 64 people were nabbed for kidnapping. Three people were also arrested for public violence,” said Netshiunda.