On Thursday, 11 April 2024, a Ministerial Crime Imbizo was convened at the Dassenhoek Community Hall, drawing crucial stakeholders including Police Minister Bheki Cele and KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
The Imbizo followed a recent incident where nine suspects, wanted for various crimes in the Mariannhill policing precinct, were gunned down.
Mariannhill – which is grappling with widespread crime, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, and other social challenges – necessitated the convention of the Imbizo.
Ethekwini Municipality Speaker, Councillor Thabani Nyawose, reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to bolstering security by employing 200 metro police officers annually.
The central message of the imbizo was loud and clear: combating crime demands a collective effort. Community collaboration with law enforcement is critical.
Highlighting this, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, urged unity in tackling Gender-based violence and emphasized the crucial role of witnesses in bringing criminals to justice.
“We urge the community to nip crime in the bud before it worsens. We also ask those who are witnesses in crime cases to come to courts to give evidence,” stated KZN Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Expressing gratitude for heightened police visibility, Mariannhill residents voiced concerns over crime’s negative impact.
Delivering her address, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said: “Those who harbour criminals in their homes, do so at their own peril. Our government is worried about crime. Last week on Friday, we handed tools of trade – including 85 vehicles – to crime fighting structures across KZN. During the event which was held in Durban City Centre, we preached the gospel of police and community unity against crime.”
The Premier further encouraged the community to refrain from buying stolen goods from criminals because such actions perpetuate and perpetrate criminality.
Police Minister Bheki Cele, replying to the community members’ concerns, started by praising the police for arresting six suspects implicated in the murder of Kaizer Chiefs player, Luke Fleurs.
On mobile police stations, Cele said they are there to fast-track the reporting of crimes to main police stations. He promised the community of Mariannhill that more mobile stations will be installed to help the community.
“Police are a buffer between community and criminality. Police must deal decisively with criminals, I refuse to go to a crime scene where I have to pick up corpses for the police who are victims of crime.
“Your presence at criminals’ funerals elevates criminality above law. I disagree with those who say it is correct for policeman to die but the converse is true when a criminal is gunned down by police.
“In conclusion, we are pleased to announce that we have secured site and money for the construction of the new Mariannhill Police Station,” said Cele, to a huge round of applause.
The imbizo concluded with a resounding call for continued collaboration between the community and law enforcement to safeguard lives and combat crime effectively.
It encouraged communities to stand united against the scourge of crime, to work tirelessly to ensure safer communities for all.
Ends
Issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government.
For more information contact Head of Provincial Government Communication Bongi Gwala on
072 793 4757 / Acting Media Liaison Joseph Cubai on 060 534 4187