The July revelations of corruption and police capture by the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkwanazi shocked the nation, with many South Africans questioning the integrity of policing.
However, a report released by the KZN police commissioner’s office indicate inroads made in crime fighting in the month of July.
Police arrested 12 624 suspected criminals who are alleged to have committed a wide range of crimes.
July arrests by KwaZulu-Natal police
Routine policing and specialised operations led to:
- 3741 arrests pertaining to contact crimes. Of these, 216 people were arrested on charges of murder, and 201 for attempted murder.
- The confiscation of 331 firearms and 16 178 rounds ammunition.
- On crimes against women and children, 193 alleged rapists were arrested.
- 50 suspects were arrested for sexual assault, eight for attempted rape and 17 for other sexual offences.
- 204 arrests related to contravening domestic violence laws and four were charged with child abuse.
- 201 suspects arrested for allegedly committing various types of robberies. These were business and house robberies, robbery with aggravating circumstances and stealing of motor vehicles.
- 1720 people put behind bars for assault leading to grievous bodily harm.
- 925 suspects apprehended for incidents of common assault.
- 519 motorists were arrested for drunken driving.
- 2108 people were nabbed for drug related offences.
- 48 arrests due to incidents of stock theft.
Police operations uncovered 610 dangerous weapons, including 536 knives and 36 machetes.
While certain police units may successfully nab suspected criminals, South Africa can expect the commencement of the Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System this month (August).
Chaired by the Acting Deputy Chief Justice, Mbuyiseli Madlanga the Commission came into existence on 13 July.
Cyril Ramphosa informed the nation of this move following a slew of allegations made by police commissioner Mkhwanazi.
At a media briefing on 6 July Mkhwanazi claimed that a syndicate comprising businesspeople, public prosecutors and judges infiltrated law enforcement structures in the country.
The commissioner further alleged that Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu was instrumental in disbanding a police task team into investigating political killings in KwaZulu-Natal.
This, led to Mchunu placed on special leave, and the appointment of Firoz Cachalia, a former academic, as the new police minister.
What do you think about the corruption allegations made against the SAPS?
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