Durban - More than 21 000 criminals were reigned in during the festive season clampdown by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison.
The 21 344 suspects, arrested on charges including murder, attempted murder, rape, aggravating robbery and drug related crimes, were netted during joint operations between the South African Police Services (SAPS), Metropolitan Police and other law enforcement agencies.
The department's MEC Bheki Cele said on Monday that large quantities of drugs, stolen property and liquor were seized and this had in turn contributed to the peace and stability in the province over the period.
Durban's beachfront posed a major challenge to authorities with large numbers of visitors to the area.
"With more than 11 000 officers deployed on the Golden Mile, at shopping centres and other tourist hotpots, we were able to ensure sufficient policing in areas that experienced an influx of visitors.
"Officers conducted patrols on foot, horseback and bikes. There were little or no incidents especially over Christmas and the New Year," said Mr Cele.
The MEC pointed out that sound planning and execution of the festive season security plan meant left little or no margin for error as well as the availability of officers to be deployed to robberies in progress.
He thanked the officials for their hard work in ensuring a low level of crime during the December holidays.
