By Thapelo Molefe
The Safer Festive Season Operations in KwaZulu-Natal has yielded commendable successes in curbing criminal activities, although Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) remain a grave concern.
This is according to police minister Senzo Mchunu, who said that increased roadblocks, stop-and-search operations, vehicle checkpoints, and tracking efforts have kept police on high alert to ensure the safety of everyone in the country.
Speaking at Mtunzini Plaza on Monday, Mchunu highlighted both the progress made and the challenges faced by law enforcement during the holiday season in KZN.
“It is encouraging to note that these operations are unfolding with more boots on the ground. I am happy to announce that this province also received the largest share of the newly trained Constable’s with more than 560 additional boots on the ground. Since the start of the festive season operations, the men and women in blue in this province have registered commendable successes,” said Mchunu.
“From the first of October 2024 to date, it is pleasing to note that a total of 38 966 suspects have been arrested for various crimes ranging from murder, rape, assault GBH and the possession of illegal firearms. Of those arrested, 11 199 were locked up for contact crimes which include murder, attempted murder, assault GBH and malicious damage to property.”
Mchunu said that detecting and removing illegal firearms from the streets remains a top priority for the police, noting with encouragement that 915 firearms have been seized since October 1.
“A total of 1997 dangerous weapons have also been seized during this period – these include knives and other sharp objects,” said Mchunu.
“A staggering 2544 unlicensed liqour premises have also been shutdown since the start of our operations.”
However, Mchunu voiced deep concern over the persistent scourge of GBVF, which continues to devastate lives across KZN.
Since October, 110 women have been murdered in the province, with most incidents involving perpetrators known to the victims.
He said the methods of these killings underscore their brutality: 64 victims were shot, 24 were stabbed, and others succumbed to blunt force trauma, reflecting the severe nature of these crimes.
Among them are the killings of 25-year-old Nontobeko Cele in Umzinto and a young woman and her three-year-old son in Umkomaas.
Mchunu also highlighted another tragic incident in Harding, where an 18-year-old woman was allegedly beaten and strangled to death by her 33-year-old boyfriend, now in police custody.
“These heinous acts often occur behind closed doors, making it critical for communities to step up and report suspicions early,” Mchunu said.
Nationally, law enforcement has made strides in addressing GBVF, arresting over 29,000 suspects between April 2023 and September 2024.
During this period, at least 559 perpetrators received life sentences, signaling a firm stance against these crimes.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to ending GBVF, Mchunu stressed the importance of community involvement.
“Families, friends, and neighbors must report abuse to prevent further tragedies. We cannot fight this battle alone,” he urged.
Mchunu also celebrated a significant breakthrough in the arrest of two hitmen linked to the attempted murder of South African Revenue services (SARS) Advocate Coreth Naude in July this year.
The two suspects, apprehended in Mitchells Plain and Milnerton in Cape Town, respectively, are set to appear in court in due course.
Naude was ambushed by two men while making her way to the entrance of an Umhlanga hotel where the suspects opened fire on her.
However, she managed to drive inside the hotel where she received medical attention before she was rushed to hospital.
Naude was working for SARS at the Cox Yeats Attorneys’ offices in Umhlanga on a case against controversial football boss and businesswoman Shawn Mkhize when she was shot.
“This demonstrates the dedication and professionalism of our law enforcement agencies, even in the face of hardened criminals,” Mchunu remarked.
The Police Ministry continues to encourage citizens to report suspicious activities through the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111.
“Together, we can create a safer South Africa for all,” Mchunu said.
INSIDE POLITICS
