The KwaZulu-Natal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring public safety through collaborative initiatives and targeted strategies.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, made the commitment during the release of the province’s second quarter crime statistics for 2024/2025, on Tuesday.
The crime statistics, covering the period of July to September 2024, revealed a marginal increase of 0.1% in the 17 community reported serious crimes.
The statistics showed that 63 666 cases were reported, with 20 794 arrests made.
A total of 1 428 murder cases were registered in the province, and this includes 71 multiple murder incidents, involving 164 victims.
“While overall murders declined, rural areas and townships remain high-risk zones, with arguments, robberies, and retaliation being key causes. Alarmingly, 186 victims were women and 77 were children,” Ntuli said.
The Inanda Police Station in the north of Durban, remains in the top 10 stations for serious crimes, followed by Umlazi and Ntuzuma.
Notable improvements were seen in carjacking with less than 17.3% and robberies at residential and non-residential premises.
However, the province witnessed an increase in cash-in-transit robberies with 11 incidents recorded, compared to eight incidents recorded last year. Persisting crime syndicates also remain a challenge.
Strengthened crime fighting capacity
Recognising resource challenges faced by the South African Police Service (SAPS), Ntuli announced the donation of 36 vehicles worth over R14 million, which will bolster law enforcement capabilities across the priority stations.
The vehicles were handed over to KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who commended the initiative, noting that it would significantly aid in tackling crime hotspots.
Among the key measures to help in crime fighting also include increased visibility in crime hotspots and areas affected by faction fights, such as Nongoma, Nquthu, Loskop, and uMzimkhulu; tightened operations at ports of entry and border gates, in collaboration with the Border Management Authority; as well as joint law enforcement raids focusing on food safety inspections in spaza shops, following incidents of expired goods being sold.
With the festive season underway, the provincial government has further unveiled intensified safety measures, including the deployment of 656 new police constables to the key stations.
Ntuli said additional support will come from 198 Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers, including 467 authorised officers, and 124 metro police constables.
The Premier and provincial leadership reiterated their commitment to tackling crime through a multi-faceted approach, including the recent launch of the KZN Council Against Crime (CAC).
Ntuli said the council will monitor and devise integrated strategies to fight crime over the next five years.
As the festive season continues, the provincial government reassured the residents and visitors of its dedication to maintaining safety.
“We wish to thank the brave men and women in law enforcement for their tireless efforts in ensuring a crime-free KwaZulu-Natal,” Ntuli said. – SAnews.gov.za
