Community engagement key to combating crime in KwaZulu-Natal, says Premier Ntuli
KwaZulu-Natal is grappling with the harsh reality of crime that threatens the fabric of the communities.
This is according to Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli during a two-day Provincial Council Against Crime (CAC) strategic planning session on Saturday in Durban.
Ntuli said KZN, like other provinces, has violent crime, economic offences, gender-based violence – a scourge of criminality that threatens the cornerstone of existence for families, businesses, and residents’ peace of mind.
The CAC structure serves as a permanent platform at provincial level, facilitating structured engagement between the Provincial Government, civil society, and national structures to enhance the department’s mandate in combating crime effectively.
Ntuli outlined the objectives of the provincial CAC and how it will be structured to improve the effectiveness of its programmes.
“We will not only assess the challenges, we face but also reinforce our collective commitment to ensuring that every citizen can live, work, and thrive in an environment that is safe, secure, and prosperous,” Ntuli said.
He said crime chases away investors and leaves citizens destitute.
“On Tuesday this week, we woke to the news of a cash-in-transit heist which took place on the N2 – between the Higginson Highway and Queensburgh off-ramps.
“Unfortunately, one woman lost her life when the criminals shot at a minibus taxi which was caught in the ensuing chaos. We want to thank the police, under the capable leadership of Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who are making solid leads in cracking the heist case,” Ntuli said.
Ntuli said this was just one example that shows that the criminals are becoming more daring as the day progresses. Other types of crime that plague the province are faction fights and mass murders of people which occurred in Hlokozi, Loskop, KwaNongoma, and many other places.
Ntuli said mass murders and faction fights leave communities fragmented and disturb teaching and learning in the areas where they take place.
“In an effort to address these crimes, over the past eight months since I assumed office, I have crisscrossed the province holding the crime summit, community izimbizo, dialogues, meetings with families affected by mass murders, faction fights, and gender-based violence,” Ntuli said.
zainul.dawood@inl.co.za