SAPS arrests over 20,000 suspects in nationwide festive crackdown

Police have arrested more than 20,000 suspects across the country over the past week, including 2,520 individuals caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

SAPS spokesperson Vincent Mukhathi confirmed that between December 15 and 21, law enforcement officials confiscated nearly 50,000 litres of alcohol and seized more than 150 firearms.

According to Mukhathi, 158 suspects were arrested for murder during this period. The crackdown also targeted drug peddling and violent robberies.

"165 [suspects were arrested for] attempted murder, 180 suspects arrested for rape, 92 suspects arrested for aggravated armed robberies, and 488 suspects arrested for dealing in drugs," Mukhathi stated.

A significant portion of the week's operations focused on the illegal liquor trade and road safety.

"1,283 suspects were also arrested for illegal liquor trade... 3,665 illegal liquor outlets were shut down across the country," said Mukhathi.

The Western Cape saw the highest volume of drug-related enforcement. Mukhathi noted that the province accounted for the most arrests for possession of drugs, with 1,018 suspects taken into custody.