More than 120 persons, predominantly foreign nationals, were arrested after a series of raids in Durban on Tuesday morning.
Among those arrested was a guy wanted for a series of rapes in uMlazi. Police also seized phony US dollars and ammunition.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, said the combined operation began early Tuesday morning, targeting hijacked buildings and those sheltering illegal aliens.
“We are looking for firearms because our province has been experiencing high volumes of crime, where illegal firearms are used. We are pleased that ammunition has been found.
We have arrested over 123 illegal foreigners so far. As things stand, we have also recovered illegal liquor that’s been sold in the city,” Netshiunda said.
“This is a priority for us as the government of KZN to restore the City of Durban as our economic hub. We are working with the mayor of Durban, provincial police commissioner and various departments in this venture.
This is neither the first, nor will it be the last operation, because we want to see all bad buildings, not just in Durban but across the province, being targeted,” Ntuli said.
Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KZN police commissioner, confirmed that law enforcement operations are continuing to address issues related to problematic buildings in the region.
This comes after eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba announced on Monday that a total of 76 buildings have been identified as being derelict, abandoned, hijacked, or overcrowded.
These structures pose a risk to public safety and are being targeted as part of the ongoing efforts to restore order and maintain community well-being.
