KNYSNA NEWS - In what is referred to by Knysna police as an “integrated crime prevention blast”, a total of 66 suspects were arrested over the past weekend.

According to police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies, local police worked in conjunction with the public order policing unit, Eden Cluster crime combating team and the Knysna provincial traffic in efforts to curb various crimes affecting Knysna communities, particularly crimes committed against woman and children.

“The operations included visits to various drug outlets, vehicle checkpoints and stop-and-search operations in crime hot spot areas,” said Spies.

The "blast" included the following, according to Spies:

• A 28-year-old suspect was arrested in White Location for attempted murder after he allegedly stabbed a victim with a knife.

• The arrest of a 30-year-old suspect in connection with a rape that occurred at Barrington near Karatara.

• Twenty suspects were arrested on drug-related offences due to the police broadening their focus on drug abuse. These cases relate to dealing and the possession of illegal drugs, and as a result small amounts of dagga, tik and 39 Mandrax tablets were confiscated.

• Three suspects were arrested after they were positively linked to housebreaking and theft cases in the residential areas of Knysna earlier during the weekend.

• Six suspects were arrested after stop-and-search operations: one for possession of suspected stolen property; four for possession of dangerous weapons; and one suspect for possession of housebreaking implements.

• Four people were arrested for driving motor vehicles while under the influence of liquor.

“Other arrests included illegal immigrants and less serious offences,” added Spies.

Knysna police station commander Colonel Atwell Metu commended the police members for these arrests, and said that this zero tolerance approach will continue throughout the month of August, with a special focus on gender-based violent crimes. 

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