Over 20,000 arrested in one week as police crack down on crime and drunk driving

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said that in the past week, 158 suspects were arrested for murder across the country, while 1,018 people were arrested for possession of drugs in the Western Cape.

Police made more than 20,000 arrests in all provinces between 15 and 21 December and with the peak of the festive season fast approaching, 2,520 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

"1,283 suspects were also arrested for illegal liquor trade and 2,520 arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs as well, 3,665 illegal liquor outlets were shut down across the country,” said SAPS spokesperson Vincent Mukhathi.

Mukhathi said that close to 50,000 litres of alcohol were confiscated.

"165 attempted murder, 180 suspects arrested for rape, 92 suspects arrested for aggravated armed robberies, 488 suspects arrested for dealing in drugs."

Mukhathi added more than 150 firearms were seized.