The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, has strongly condemned the fatal shooting incident in Wentworth, south of Durban, which has tragically claimed two lives and left seven others wounded on Friday.
Premier Ntuli is currently engaging the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, to ensure the immediate deployment of additional police officers to Wentworth. This is aimed at strengthening police visibility and restoring peace and stability in the area.
The Premier is also planning to take the Premier’s Crime-Fighting Imbizo to Wentworth, where he will engage directly with the community. He will be accompanied by law-enforcement and crime-fighting agencies operating across KwaZulu-Natal.
Premier Ntuli expressed deep concern over the recurring gun-related violence that continues to destabilise communities across the province.
He emphasised that tackling violent crime requires a coordinated and multisectoral approach, involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), community policing structures, local municipalities, and all spheres of government. The Premier stressed that only a unified and consistent effort can successfully dismantle criminal networks, reduce the circulation of illegal firearms, and restore peace in affected communities.
“The people of KwaZulu-Natal deserve to live in safe and peaceful environments. We cannot allow gun-wielding criminals to hold our communities hostage. I am calling for immediate action, strengthened policing operations, and the full weight of the law to be brought upon those responsible for this barbaric act,” said Premier Ntuli.
The Premier further urged community safety structures and residents in Wentworth and surrounding areas to cooperate closely with law-enforcement authorities. He stressed that community information-sharing is crucial for identifying suspects, speeding up investigations, and preventing further incidents.
Premier Ntuli will also visit the KwaMadlala area on Sunday, another South Coast community experiencing a surge in violent crime. Since October alone, at least seven people have been brutally killed in the area, including incidents linked to the taxi industry. Assault and GBV-related cases remain alarmingly high.
“On Sunday, I will be visiting the KwaMadlala area under Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality as part of our ongoing efforts to promote community safety and strengthen crime-prevention initiatives. As we approach the festive season — a period that often sees an increase in crime — it is crucial that communities and law-enforcement structures collaborate effectively to protect lives, maintain order, and ensure a safe environment for all,”concluded Premier Ntuli.
Premier Ntuli strongly condemns this senseless and brutal attack. He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to those who were injured.
The Premier has also extended his deepest condolences to the families of the five people who tragically lost their lives in a devastating head-on collision on Friday night in uMzumbe on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. Among the deceased are a couple and their three young children, aged between three and five.
Premier Ntuli has urged all motorists to exercise extreme caution, remain vigilant, and obey road safety regulations at all times, especially as the festive season approaches — a period in which road fatalities typically increase. He called on drivers to prioritise responsible behaviour on the road to prevent further loss of life and protect their families and other road users.
The Premier will continue to receive updates and will announce further interventions aimed at enhancing safety, strengthening community protection, and improving policing visibility in the area.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Bongani Gina
Head of Provincial Government Communications
Contact: 071 217 3037
Mr. Lindelani Mbatha
Media Liaison Officer
Contact: 061 499 077
ISSUED BY KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT