KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Premier Thami Ntuli at the community engagement meeting in Amaoti. Picture: Supplied
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has called for urgent action to combat crime in Inanda and surrounding areas, warning that criminal gangs should not be glorified by the community.
Speaking at a community engagement meeting at Amaoti Community Hall yesterday, Ntuli addressed rising crime in the eThekwini region, urging residents to work with law enforcement to restore safety.
He said out of the 30 worst-affected police precincts nationwide, 17 are in eThekwini. Inanda ranks among the top five police stations for murder and sexual violence - reporting the highest number of cases.
“Every quarter, when crime statistics are released, Inanda is ranked as one of the most dangerous places in the country. We cannot allow this to continue,” he stated.
Addressing concerns about community complicity in crime, Ntuli urged parents to take responsibility for their children’s actions.
“No parent wishes for their child to become a criminal. But when you see your child involved in crime or drugs and you protect them instead of getting help, you are part of the problem,” he said.
He also spoke strongly against criminal gangs operating in the area and condemned the culture of glorifying criminals, where large crowds attend the funerals of gangsters, while police officers killed in the line of duty receive little recognition.
“What kind of society are we building, one that glorifies criminals? Harbouring a criminal is like keeping a venomous snake; one day, it will strike,” he warned.
He called for swift police intervention and urged communities to report crimes instead of taking the law into their own hands.
Ntuli praised law enforcement for their efforts but warned that corrupt officers must also be exposed. “If you see a police officer involved in crime, report them. We cannot win this fight if those meant to protect us are working with criminals,” he said.
The premier recently held a two-day provincial Council Against Crime strategic planning session.
He said that the council will serve as a permanent platform at a 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’s efforts come amid a wave of violent crime in Inanda and surrounding areas.
To help residents report crime safely, Ntuli announced a free crime-reporting hotline and a WhatsApp tip-off number. “A dedicated team will ensure that reports are processed quickly and securely,” he said.
Last week KZN police noted that they intensified their crime-fighting efforts in January, arresting 13 576 suspects and recovering 346 illegal firearms. Among those arrested, 224 were linked to murder cases, while 268 suspected rapists were also brought to book.
The province's Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit played a crucial role in tackling crimes against women and children.
“These arrests demonstrate our commitment to making communities safer,” said SAPS KZN spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
“We urge residents to work with the police and report criminal activities.”
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