Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, 27 May 2025 - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, in his capacity as the Executive Authority of the Department of Community Safety and Liaison, led a crucial dialogue with Amajuba District Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs), law enforcement agencies, and the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security Cluster. The dialogue took place at Osizweni Community Hall in Newcastle, forming part of a targeted effort to strengthen community safety, combat gangsterism, and curb the rising tide of gender-based violence and femicide (GBV&F).

The gathering focused on addressing the troubling trend of certain traditional healers and unscrupulous individuals supplying “muthi” (traditional concoctions) and “amabhande” (protective belts) to criminals, creating the false belief of invincibility and enabling them to evade justice. This practice has been linked to escalating violence, gang activity, and GBV cases in the region.

Research conducted by the Department of Community Safety and Liaison in 2023 revealed a worrying number of young people, particularly gang members and perpetrators of violent crimes, using these practices to bolster their criminal behaviour. In response, the provincial government initiated direct engagements with traditional health practitioners, urging them to uphold ethical practices and reject any involvement in aiding criminal activity.

Premier Ntuli used the platform to call on THPs to adhere to the strict guidelines set out by their provincial oversight body, ensuring that their profession contributes to healing and positive community development rather than crime and harm. He also appealed to community members to work alongside government efforts and become active participants in local crime prevention.

“This dialogue is about reclaiming our communities from fear and criminality,” said Premier Ntuli. “We are here to make it clear that the government, traditional health practitioners, law enforcement, and the people of Amajuba must stand united to uphold the rule of law and protect our families, our women, and our children.”

Premier Ntuli reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of crime through a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach and emphasised that long-term community safety requires the active involvement of all stakeholders.