By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi says 39 suspects have been shot in shootouts with the police since April this year.
Mkhwanazi was briefing media on the state of policing in the province.
“It is important for me to mention that police investigate to arrest the suspects and take them through the justice system, however if suspects shoot at police officers and put their lives in danger, police will retaliate with proportional force to save their lives and those of innocent community members,”said Mkhwanazi.
Additionally, Mkhwanazi said while crime was evident in the province it was under control.
The 39 deceased suspects were entangled in various, different shootout incidents across the province.
These include nine suspects in Mariannhill, four in Harding, four in Camperdown, and four in Sydenham on Wednesday. Two were shot in each shootout incident in Wentworth, Klaarwater (Mariannhill), and Phoenix. One suspect each came out second best in Hillcrest, Umbumbulu, Inanda (Lusaka) and Isipingowere a police officer also sustained a gunshot wound.
Mkhwanazi said these criminals were hardcore.
Adding that they “were found in possession of firearms, some of them high calibre rifles”.
He highlighted that KZN, a major tourist destination, has been in the spotlight for various reasons, including the aggressive stance criminals have taken against the police.
The recent national and provincial elections also brought increased attention to the province, leading to debates about the deployment of Public Order Policing officers.
Mkhwanazi emphasised the police’s responsibility to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.
He reported significant police efforts to maintain peace, noting that from 1 April 2024 to date, 35 145 suspects were arrested for various crimes, including 11 192 for contact crimes lincluding murder, rape, and assault.
In addition, 953 firearms and large quantities of ammunition were recovered, along with 665 stolen vehicles and nearly two tonnes of drugs, including a dismantled drug lab and R8 million worth of cocaine.
Mkhwanazi also detailed the province’s challenges with cash-in-transit robberies, with 17 incidents reported and five foiled by the police, resulting in several arrests and shoot-outs.