KwaZulu-Natal is currently facing a deepening crisis as crime continues to erode the very fabric of its communities. Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli highlighted the severe impact of criminal activities in the province during a two-day strategic planning session for the Provincial Council Against Crime (CAC) held in Durban. The session was dedicated to confronting the surge in violent crime, economic offenses, and the widespread scourge of gender-based violence—issues that threaten not only the security of individuals but also the stability of families, businesses, and the peace of mind of residents.
The CAC plays a crucial role as a permanent platform for engagement between the Provincial Government, civil society, and national structures. Its purpose is to foster collaboration that will strengthen efforts to combat crime in a more coordinated and effective manner. Ntuli emphasized the importance of this collaboration, outlining the goals of the council and the measures being taken to ensure the success of its initiatives. “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 affirmed.
Crime has a far-reaching impact on the province, with its consequences felt across various sectors. Ntuli pointed out that criminal activities, such as violent crimes and economic offenses, have the power to chase away investors, which in turn leads to economic decline and leaves citizens vulnerable and destitute. He provided a chilling example of this reality, recounting a recent cash-in-transit heist that occurred along the N2, between the Higginson Highway and Queensburgh off-ramps. Tragically, the crime resulted in the loss of a woman’s life when a minibus taxi was caught in the crossfire. Ntuli expressed his gratitude to the police, under the leadership of Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, for their diligent efforts in tracking down leads related to the heist.
However, the criminal landscape in KwaZulu-Natal goes beyond such isolated incidents. Ntuli explained that the province is increasingly plagued by daring criminals, engaged in faction fights and mass murders that leave entire communities in disarray. These violent acts, which have occurred in places like Hlokozi, Loskop, and KwaNongoma, are not only devastating for the families involved but also have a destabilizing effect on the broader community, disrupting daily life and even hindering education in affected areas. The fallout from these crimes often leads to a sense of fear and division, making it harder for people to live harmoniously.
To combat these growing challenges, Premier Ntuli has been actively engaging with communities across the province. Over the past eight months, since taking office, he has visited various areas, holding crime summits, community izimbizo, and dialogues. These meetings have brought together people affected by mass murders, faction violence, and gender-based crimes, providing a platform for them to voice their concerns and work collaboratively toward solutions.
In his address, Ntuli stressed that the fight against crime is a collective one, requiring the combined efforts of all sectors of society. The provincial government is committed to taking bold steps to restore safety and order, ensuring that KwaZulu-Natal becomes a place where people can live without the constant threat of violence. Through continued collaboration, proactive strategies, and unwavering determination, the province hopes to overcome the challenges posed by crime and create a safer, more secure environment for all its residents.
