Over 13 000 arrests in KZN: Police crackdown on violent crime in October
The KwaZulu-Natal police arrested more than 13 000 suspects during October for various crimes including murder, rape and attempted murder.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
More than 13 000 suspects were arrested across KwaZulu-Natal during October as police intensified operations to curb serious and violent crimes in the province.
According to the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner’s Office, a total of 13 164 suspects were taken into custody through various policing efforts, including Operation Shanela. The arrests covered a wide range of offences, from murder and rape to drug-related and property crimes.
“Various police operations, including Operation Shanela and day-to-day policing, have resulted in the arrest of 13 164 suspects for different categories of crime in the month of October 2025 in KwaZulu-Natal,” said provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
Among those arrested were 195 suspects linked to cases of murder and 214 suspects wanted for attempted murder. Police also arrested 262 suspects for rape, 11 for attempted rape, and 45 for sexual assault cases, while 271 people were detained for contravening the Domestic Violence Act.
“Those who solve personal differences through violence were not spared, with 1 865 suspects arrested for assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm (assault GBH),” said Netshiunda.
Illegal firearms remain a major contributor to violent crime, and police continued their crackdown throughout October. “In efforts to rid the communities of all illegal firearms, police in KwaZulu-Natal recovered 306 firearms and over 3 000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres,” Netshiunda confirmed. Of the firearms recovered, 14 were rifles and 13 were homemade guns.
He added that 452 suspects were arrested for property-related crimes, including 231 for burglary at residential premises.
Netshiunda urged residents to be vigilant ahead of the festive season.
“With the festive season upon us, residents are reminded to keep their doors and windows closed and locked, especially when there is no one in the house,” he cautioned.
Police also arrested 56 suspects for stock theft and recovered 131 cattle, 109 goats, and 13 sheep. On the roads, 931 motorists were arrested for drunken driving and 2 034 people for drug-related crimes.
“Motorists are urged to park their vehicles in safe spaces and ensure that their vehicles are properly locked,” Netshiunda said. “Driving under the influence of alcohol endangers oneself and other motorists, and police will enforce the law to the fullest.”