KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Hon. Thamsanqa Ntuli, has expressed deep concern over the rising number of police officers and community safety volunteers losing their lives in the line of duty — describing these incidents as an attack on the safety and stability of the province.
On Saturday, Premier Ntuli attended the funeral of Mr Muzi Mbongwa, a committed member of the Community Policing Structure (CPS), who was brutally gunned down while serving his community in KwaMlaba, Hammarsdale. Addressing mourners, the Premier conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Mbongwa family and praised Mr Mbongwa’s bravery, dedication, and unwavering commitment to helping fight crime in the area.
Premier Ntuli reiterated that the fight against crime is a multisectoral responsibility requiring the active involvement of communities, traditional leadership, and law enforcement agencies. He confirmed that he will be engaging with the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, to strengthen police visibility and targeted operations in Hammarsdale following recent shootings.
The Premier also appealed to local residents to stand firm with the police by reporting known criminals and supporting ongoing crime-combating initiatives. He further committed to bringing intensified community safety campaigns and outreach programmes to Hammarsdale to restore calm and public confidence.
In a separate incident, two police officers responding to a complaint in eKhombe, Nkandla, were shot and injured at eHlanzeni area. Both officers survived the attack. The suspect fled but was swiftly tracked down through strong collaboration between community members, local traditional leadership, and the police. He was arrested in a public minibus taxi in Middelburg while attempting to flee to Johannesburg with an unlicensed firearm in his possession.
The suspect was positively identified and is reportedly out on bail for multiple murder cases in Johannesburg and the Qhudeni area. He is expected to appear in the eKhombe Magistrate’s Court facing charges of attempted murder of police officers.
Premier Ntuli applauded the effective partnershipbetween the community, local Inkosi, and the SAPS, noting that this success is a direct result of commitments made during the Premier’s Community Safety Crime-Fighting Imbizo recently held in eKhombe. Residents had pledged to work more closely with law enforcement and traditional structures — a commitment now bearing visible results.
As part of the Provincial Government’s broader effort to tackle crime and restore social cohesion, the Premier on Sunday officially launched the Premier’s Hostel Gamesat the Wemmer Hostel. The initiative brings together hostel dwellers from across KwaZulu-Natal to promote unity, peace, and constructive community engagement — key elements of the province’s integrated crime-prevention strategy.
Premier Ntuli reaffirmed that the Provincial Government is working tirelessly, day and night, to make KwaZulu-Natal safer. He emphasised that reducing crime is central to restoring investor confidence, creating jobs, and growing the provincial economy.
“We will not rest until every community in KwaZulu-Natal is safe. Our goal is a crime-free province where people can live freely, businesses can thrive, and opportunities can grow,” said Premier Ntuli.
ENDS
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*Mr. Bongani Gina*
Head of Provincial Government Communications
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*Mr. Lindelani Mbatha*
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