The South African Police Service (SAPS) has intensified its war on crime, arresting 18 634 suspects nationwide between 18 and 24 August 2025 in a sweeping crackdown targeting violent offences, drug trafficking, illegal firearms and contraband smuggling.
Of those arrested, 3 087 were wanted suspects linked to serious and violent crimes, including murder, rape, hijacking and armed robbery. Police confirmed 131 suspects were arrested for murder during the week, with KwaZulu-Natal leading with 35 arrests, followed by Gauteng (27) and the Eastern Cape (23).
Rape, assault and attempted murder cases
- 157 suspects were arrested for rape.
- 140 for attempted murder.
- 1 473 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
DUI, drugs and firearms
The operations also exposed the extent of substance abuse and firearm-related crimes:
- 722 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, led by Gauteng (185), Mpumalanga (184) and KwaZulu-Natal (155).
- 1 263 suspects were nabbed for possession of drugs, with KwaZulu-Natal topping the list at 365 arrests and Gauteng following with 215.
- 232 suspects were arrested for drug trafficking and distribution, with KwaZulu-Natal once again in the lead (53 arrests).
- 106 suspects were taken into custody for illegal possession of firearms, led by KwaZulu-Natal (32), Eastern Cape (21) and Gauteng (19).
Illegal migration and contraband seizures
Police also arrested 1 714 suspects for illegal migration offences and made major seizures disrupting organised criminal networks:
- 18,882 units of abalone confiscated.
- 180 firearms and 2 921 rounds of ammunition seized.
- 77 stolen and hijacked vehicles recovered.
KwaNongoma firearms bust
In a separate breakthrough, SAPS officers in KwaNongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, arrested a 42-year-old suspect on 18 August for possession of four unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The cache included a .303 rifle with scope, an AK-47 assault rifle, an Uzi submachine gun and a 9mm pistol, all hidden under a mattress. Police confirmed the firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine if they were used in other crimes.
A message of reassurance
Police leadership hailed the results as evidence of a renewed commitment to public safety and a direct blow to organised crime. The SAPS reaffirmed its message that crime syndicates, repeat offenders and violent criminals would be relentlessly pursued.
“These arrests and seizures reflect the depth of criminal networks being dismantled. The SAPS will continue to restore law and order in our communities,” a spokesperson said.
