KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has vowed that the government will intensify efforts to dismantle entrenched criminal networks in uMlazi, warning that crime syndicates and their collaborators will soon face arrest.

Speaking at a community crime-fighting imbizo at Glebelands in uMlazi yesterday, Ntuli said he was personally aware of the extent of crime in the township.

He claimed that some individuals had amassed wealth through criminal activities, commanding influence across the township. “I know of the rich individuals in this community who are rich by crime, who have people on every corner of the community. I even know their pictures. Some work with police, and I’ll soon know those police officers. I am following up on this information carefully,” Ntuli said.

The premier emphasised that the government was deploying measures to tackle violent crime and restore stability. He said mobile police stations would soon be rolled out in eThekwini, including in Inanda and KwaMakhutha, and that more trained officers were expected to be deployed in the province.

Ntuli also highlighted initiatives aimed at schools and youth, including installing CCTV cameras in more than 55 schools and training learner “scouts” to protect their schools and communities while promoting discipline and academic success.

However, community representatives said the efforts must also extend to supporting volunteers who serve on safety structures such as Community Policing Forums (CPF) and neighbourhood watches.

Addressing the premier during the community engagement, Lindiwe Mbhele, an executive member of the CPF in uMlazi, said members risked their lives without protection or recognition. “What we ask is that we get some sort of indemnity just in case we get hurt or harmed or even die during our work or service in the community,” Mbhele said.

She added that CPF volunteers often worked without financial support, despite playing a key role in fighting crime. “We also ask that the government consider us as well in the EPWP (Expanded Public Works Programme) because the work that we do as CPF and Neighbourhood Watch is considered as voluntary work. So we also need, at least some of us, to be considered for the EPWP. Even three or four members in these wards can also be part of the EPWP,” she said.

Aidan David, chairperson of the eThekwini District Police Board, said imbizos were important if they focused on crime fighting and not on politics. He noted that substance abuse remained a driver of violent crime in the township. “Drug and alcohol abuse are the mitigating factors that lead to some heinous crimes in the uMlazi policing precinct. uMlazi is also known as the hijackers’ paradise,” he said.

David also pointed to Glebelands Hostel’s history of violent political conflict. “With elections looming around the corner, I hope that the residents in that area act maturely and civilly towards one another, unlike in the past where political murders were on the rise at the hostel,” he said.

He argued that visible policing remained key to stabilising crime hotspots. “Police visibility is an effective way to curb crime at the Glebelands hostel area. I urge all residents in uMlazi to become actively involved in the CPF structures, which are under the capable leadership of the station commander, Brigadier Nkabinde,” David said.

Ntuli acknowledged that uMlazi frequently ranked among the top areas for murder, sexual offences, and assault in provincial crime statistics, saying the imbizo was part of a drive to work with communities to find lasting solutions.

THE MERCURY

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