Major police crackdown leads to over 4, 000 arrests and seizure of illegal firearms
Police visibility and targeted interventions in crime hotspot areas remain a priority, with joint ‘Basadi operations’ planned throughout August in honour of Women’s Month.
The eThekwini District SAPS has reported a significant crime crackdown for the month of July 2025, with over 4, 167 suspects arrested and 146 illegal firearms recovered in a series of operations across the district.
The arrests covered a wide range of serious and violent crimes, including 60 suspects apprehended for murder, 74 for attempted murder, and 106 for robberies, such as carjackings, cash-in-transit heists, and house and business robberies.
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Detectives also arrested 46 suspects for rape, eight for sexual assault, and 568 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm or common assault. Property-related crimes were also targeted, with 70 suspects arrested for offences including burglary at residential and business premises, stock theft, and theft of or from motor vehicles.
Police officers also recovered 154 stolen vehicles, 35 vehicles used in the commission of crimes, 78 dangerous weapons, and 1, 604 rounds of ammunition. Large quantities of liquor, non-ferrous metals, and drugs were also seized during the month-long operations.
Police visibility and targeted interventions in crime hotspot areas remain a priority, with joint ‘Basadi operations’ planned throughout August in honour of Women’s Month.
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These operations, led by women in law enforcement, will focus on crime prevention and public safety in high-risk areas.
Maj Gen MV Kheswa praised the relentless efforts of the district’s officers, saying, “I commend the bravery, vigilance, and professionalism displayed by our men and women in blue and our partners during these operations. The fight against crime is real, and their commitment to ensuring a safer and more peaceful eThekwini is to be acknowledged. As we enter into August, operations will continue with the same focused commitment to eradicate crime and arrest dangerous criminals or those who do not adhere to law and order.”
