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THE KWAZULU-NATAL MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, has welcomed yesterday’s arrests of more than 200 suspects for various crimes in Durban and Pietermaritzburg during operation Fiela which comprises of SAPS, SANDF, Home Affairs and Metro Police.

The joint operation targets places that are suspected to be harbouring criminals and recovering dangerous weapons.  The operation started on Tuesday 5 May 2015 and ceased in the early hours of today. Among those arrested, seven were arrested for possession of dagga, assault and resisting arrest.

During the operation, dagga, liquor, four cellphones, two overhead projectors, laptops and a TV set were recovered in Pietermaritzburg and Durban. Most of the suspects were arrested for being in the country without the necessary documentation. 
They will be charged in terms of the Immigration Act.

Today (6 May 2015), Mchunu welcomed the arrests and the operation, saying it would go a long way towards reducing crime in the Province.

“We thank all the law enforcement agencies that were involved in this crucial operation that has yielded significant results. We welcome the arrests of these suspects because it sends a loud and clear message that the long arm of the law will always catch up with suspects.

“We commend the law enforcement agencies for this joint initiative that is flushing out criminals from our communities. We urge the agencies to continue with these initiatives and to continue with their investigation so the suspects can be brought to justice,” said Mchunu.

Issued by KZN Transport, Community Safety and Liaison