KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has voiced strong criticism of certain community members who, instead of assisting law enforcement, actively support criminal activities. Speaking during his recent engagements, the Premier warned that such behaviour not only emboldens criminals but undermines efforts to build safer communities.

“Ngicela ukuthi umphakathi ungazibandakanyi nezigebengu. Uma ukhetha ukuvimba amaphoyisa noma ukuvikela izigilamkhuba, kusho ukuthi nawe uyingxenye yezigebengu,” said Premier Ntuli.

“I urge the community not to align themselves with criminals. If you choose to block the police or protect criminals, it means you are part of the problem,” he emphasised.

Rooting Out Criminal Networks

The Premier highlighted recent incidents where community members shielded known criminals or prevented police operations. Such actions, he noted, create an environment where crime thrives and justice is delayed.

“Kuyadabukisa ukuthi emiphakathini yethu, kunezindawo lapho izigebengu zivikelwa khona yizakhamuzi. Lokhu akwamukelekile, futhi kufanele kuyekwe masinyane,” Ntuli asserted.

“It is deeply troubling that in some of our communities, there are places where criminals are protected by residents. This is unacceptable and must stop immediately,” he said.

Building Trust with Law Enforcement

Premier Ntuli called on community members to rebuild trust with law enforcement agencies. He reminded citizens of the critical role they play in supporting the police, sharing information, and holding criminals accountable.

“Siyafuna ukwakha ubudlelwano obuqinile phakathi kwamaphoyisa nomphakathi. Kodwa lokhu kuzosebenza kuphela uma umphakathi usebenza ngokuzikhandla ukubika izigebengu eziwuhlalise lubhojozi,” said the Premier.

“We want to build a strong relationship between the police and the community. But this will only work if the community is committed to reporting any criminal activity,” he explained.

Ending the Culture of Silence

The Premier condemned the culture of silence that enables criminality to flourish. He stressed that those who buy stolen goods, harbour fugitives, or prevent police operations are equally guilty in the fight against crime.

“Ukuthenga izimpahla ezebiwe noma ukugcina izigebengu emizini yenu kuphazamisa imizamo yokulwa nobugebengu. Lokhu kufanele kuphele!” Ntuli exclaimed.

“Buying stolen goods or harbouring criminals in your homes is a hindrance to our fight against crime. This must end!” he urged.

A Call for Unity Against Crime

Premier Ntuli reiterated his administration’s commitment to eradicating crime in KwaZulu-Natal but stressed that the government and law enforcement cannot do it alone.

“Amaphoyisa awakwazi ukulwa nobugebengu wodwa. Sidinga ukusebenzisana njengomphakathi ukuze sakhe indawo ephephile futhi eqhakazile kuwo wonke umuntu,” he concluded.

“The police cannot fight crime alone. We need to work together as a community to build a safe and thriving environment for everyone,” he concluded.

As KwaZulu-Natal continues its efforts to clamp down on criminal activity, Premier Ntuli’s message serves as a stark reminder of the critical role community members play in fostering safety and security. Only through unity and cooperation can the province achieve its goal of a crime-free future.