With the festive season approaching, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has sent a strong warning to criminals that the police will intensify efforts to prevent criminal activities from taking place in the province.
‘KwaZulu-Natal is not a haven for criminals and police will do all in their power to curb criminality wherever and whenever it rears its ugly head,’ Ntuli said.
Ntuli sent the warning during a crime crackdown in the Durban city centre, which led to the arrest of more than 30 people found without legal documentation to be in South Africa.
In a concerted effort to rid the Durban city centre of crime and criminal elements, Ntuli joined law enforcement authorities in a high-impact operation targeting shops employing undocumented foreign nationals on Tuesday.
The joint raid, led by Ntuli and the provincial Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, included an inspection of foreign-owned spaza shops and establishments suspected of selling counterfeit goods.
The raid highlighted the provincial go
vernment’s commitment to making Durban a safer place for residents, business owners, and visitors.
With increased vigilance and coordination between provincial authorities and law enforcement agencies, Ntuli said KwaZulu-Natal aims to ensure that criminal elements are rooted out and that communities feel safe in their own neighbourhoods.
Ntuli affirmed that the operation is just one of many measures to ensure a secure environment for citizens and tourists.
The Premier emphasised the police will intensify their efforts to prevent criminal activities from taking root in the province.
‘Our message is clear: criminality will not be tolerated, and we will pursue justice wherever and whenever it is needed,’ Ntuli said.
The Premier reiterated that the provincial government, alongside local law enforcement, is committed to maintaining peace and security across the region and reinforcing its zero-tolerance stance on crime.
Restoring safety within communities
Meanwhile, during his visit to the families of four p
eople who tragically lost their lives during a brutal attack in Estcourt, Ntuli emphasised the urgent need for justice and the importance of restoring safety within communities.
Ntuli visited the families on Monday following the attack that claimed the lives of four members of the Mazibuko family, aged 45, 57, 60 and 61. Three victims died at the scene, while two others sustained injuries; and one later succumbed to their injuries.
The incident took place during a traditional celebration at a homestead in Nyezane, where six heavily armed suspects stormed the gathering and opened fire on Sunday afternoon.
According to police reports, the suspects, who wore masks, carried out the assault in a violent and calculated manner, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, law enforcement authorities launched an intelligence-driven investigation, which led to swift apprehension of a 28-year-old suspect.
The arrest marked a crucial step in the pursuit of justice for the Mazibuko f
amily and the affected community.
During his visit, Ntuli expressed his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families, acknowledging the profound pain caused by such senseless violence.
The Premier pledged his administration’s commitment to tackling violent crime in the province.
‘This is a tragic loss, not only for the Mazibuko family but for the entire community. We stand in solidarity with those affected and are determined to see that those responsible for this heinous act are held accountable,’ Ntuli said.
He said the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, alongside law enforcement agencies, remains dedicated to supporting the bereaved families and working towards a safer, more secure province for all its citizens.
Source: South African Government News Agency