KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number of illegal handguns seized during nationwide police operations, with 49 firearms confiscated as law enforcement agencies intensify their crackdown on crime ahead of the festive season.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said 164 unlicensed firearms were seized across the country between October 19 and 25 as part of the National Safer Festive Season Operations and Operation Shanela II.
The operations resulted in 17 914 arrests nationally, including 2 851 suspects who were wanted for various offences ranging from organised crime and drug trafficking to other serious crimes. The figures come as police prepare for increased activity during the festive season, when Durban and other parts of KwaZulu-Natal attract large numbers of holidaymakers and visitors.
According to the latest SAPS quarterly crime statistics, KwaZulu-Natal recorded 1 058 murders between January and March 2026. The province also recorded 4 944 cases of robbery with aggravating circumstances during the same period, highlighting the continued challenge posed by violent crime.
Police said their latest operations also targeted the illegal drug trade, with 267 suspects arrested for alleged drug dealing and a further 3 039 arrested for possession of drugs nationwide.
Among the major drug seizures was raw cocaine valued at more than R200 million, intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport after arriving on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil. Police also dismantled suspected drug manufacturing laboratories in Gauteng and North West, where large quantities of drugs, chemicals and specialised equipment were seized.
Other nationwide arrests between October 19 and 25 included 140 suspects for murder, 151 for attempted murder, 266 for rape, 80 for armed robbery and 679 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Police also arrested 1 423 people for alleged contraventions of the Immigration Act and 607 for illegal dealing in liquor.
In addition to the firearms, officers confiscated 1 425 rounds of ammunition and 765 dangerous weapons. A total of 57 stolen or hijacked vehicles were also recovered during the operations.
The Safer Festive Season campaign, which runs alongside ongoing crime-fighting operations, aims to increase police visibility and target serious and organised crime, illegal firearms, aggravated robberies, hijackings and other offences.
