Crime remains a deeply concerning issue for millions of residents in KwaZulu-Natal, with communities increasingly relying on law enforcement to address the challenges they face. Acknowledging these concerns, the KwaZulu-Natal Government has reinforced its commitment to public safety through collaborative efforts and targeted strategies aimed at reducing crime.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, reiterated this commitment during the release of the province’s second-quarter crime statistics for the 2024/2025 financial year on Tuesday, 17 December 2024.
The statistics, which cover the period from July to September 2024, revealed a slight increase of 0.1% in the 17 community-reported serious crimes. A total of 63,666 cases were reported across KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in 20,794 arrests. Furthermore, 1,428 murder cases were registered, including 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,” said Premier Ntuli.
Among the top 10 stations for serious crimes in the province, the Inanda Police Station in northern Durban remains a prominent concern, followed by Umlazi and Ntuzuma.
Despite the challenges, certain areas showed improvement. Carjackings dropped by 17.3%, and there were reductions in robberies at residential and non-residential premises.
However, cash-in-transit robberies saw an increase, with 11 incidents reported compared to eight during the same period last year. Crime syndicates continue to pose a significant challenge in the fight against organised crime.
To address resource shortages faced by the South African Police Service (SAPS), Premier Ntuli announced the donation of 36 vehicles, valued at over R14 million, to bolster law enforcement efforts in priority areas.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, expressed gratitude for the new resources, noting that they would play a crucial role in addressing crime hotspots. Reflecting on the vehicle handover, Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi said, “These new vehicles will assist our officers to be able to reach more people faster. We will ensure that vehicles are used for official duties only and act against those who abuse them for personal gains. We are warning criminals that they must leave our citizens alone. Police will be out in numbers to ensure that those who want to celebrate, do so in a safe and secure environment.”
Furthermore, the Premier also outlined additional measures to combat crime, including increased police visibility in high-crime areas and regions affected by faction fights, such as Nongoma, Nquthu, Loskop, and uMzimkhulu. Operations at ports of entry and border gates will also be tightened in collaboration with the Border Management Authority. Joint law enforcement raids will focus on food safety inspections in spaza shops following reports of expired goods being sold.
With the festive season underway, the provincial government has intensified safety measures. This includes the deployment of 656 newly trained police constables to key stations, supported by 198 Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers, 467 authorised officers, and 124 metro police constables.
Premier Ntuli and other provincial leaders reiterated their dedication to tackling crime through a comprehensive approach, which includes the recent establishment of the KZN Council Against Crime (CAC). The council will oversee and develop integrated crime-fighting strategies over the next five years.
As the festive season progresses, the government has assured residents and visitors that maintaining safety remains a top priority. “We wish to thank the brave men and women in law enforcement for their tireless efforts in ensuring a crime-free KwaZulu-Natal,” said Premier Ntuli.
Local law enforcement has already begun implementing these initiatives, clamping down on crime. A recent intelligence-driven, multi-disciplinary operation conducted by Amajuba SAPS District officers in Osizweni highlighted these efforts.
During patrols in Blaauwbosch, officers stopped a white Hyundai bakkie. Upon circulating the vehicle’s details, it was discovered that the bakkie had been reported stolen. “When the officials questioned the driver, the said suspect failed to give explanation how the said vehicle came into his possession,” explained Amajuba SAPS District Spokesperson, Constable Nonjabulo Langa.
As the suspect could not provide a valid explanation, the 31-year-old man was promptly arrested for possession of a suspected stolen vehicle.
Following this, on Tuesday, 17 December 2024, another intelligence driven operation was conducted in Osizweni. The team comprising of the Osizweni SAPS Crime Prevention members and the Newcastle Public Oder Policing (POP) Unit proceeded to a house in the Mndozo area, following information regarding illicit drugs. Arriving at the house, police officials arrested one man for being in possession of 120 mandrax tablets.
In Newcastle, the Newcastle SAPS Criminal Intelligence Unit, Amajuba District SAPS Drug Task team and the Newcastle Crime Fighter Task Team received information regarding a foreign national selling drugs along Murchison Street. Newcastle Crime Fighter Task Team’s Imran Ghafoor noted that a total of nine parcels of crystal meth and five parcels of Kat (Methcathinone) was discovered on the man and he was subsequently arrested..
With law enforcement intensifying its focus on combating crime, how do you feel about the measures being implemented? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
