‘I’m declaring war against crime. The police must fight fire with fire.’
These were the strong views expressed by KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda, when he addressed stakeholders at a business meeting held at the Veldenvlei Community Hall on Tuesday.
Kaunda called on police to be stern in their fight against crime.
He made specific reference to Sandile ‘Chillies’ Bhengu, a Durban hijacking syndicate kingpin recently shot and killed by police.
He said it was disturbing that the youth especially often looked up to such criminals with admiration.
‘The youth these days don’t want to get an education. They don’t want to sweat and work for their money. They idolise the wrong people and regard them as role models.
‘These are the people who make their money overnight, drive fancy cars and live in big houses. These people are the ones who sell drugs and are involved in criminal activity.’
Kaunda called on all the stakeholders present to become active and assist in the fight against crime.
He placed emphasis on the influence of family structures
‘Families are often the manufacturers of criminals. If we can get the family structures right, society can root out criminality.
‘Know who your neighbours are, know what they do for a living and what business they are involved in.
‘Parents need to become more active in their children’s lives and know where their children are at all times and what they are getting up to.’
In 2013 a decision was taken by the KZN Department of Community Safety and Liaison to meet with all relevant crime fighting structures in the province.
Kaunda revealed that his department is 10 weeks away from completing this task.
‘We are forging partnerships with neighbourhood watches and are in constant communication with SAPS,’ he said.
Vote of no confidence
During the meeting attended by, among others, King Cetshwayo District Mayor Ntombenhle Mkhulisi, uMhlathuze Deputy Mayor Silondile Mkhize, King Cetshwayo District Cluster Commander Major General Zonde, Community Policing Forum representatives, the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry, SAPS and Traffic Department members, a number of concerns were raised.
Corrie Pretorius of the Meerensee CPF tabled a vote of no confidence against the uMhlathuze Traffic Department, who he said are ‘simply not doing anything’.
ZCCI Vice President Thabani Shale raised concerns over how business owners never fully recover from business robberies and usually close their doors.
His sentiments were expressed after the MEC noted that business robbery, carjacking and stock theft remain serious issues the district is dealing with.
Business Against Crime President Mike Patterson highlighted the conduct of breakdown services, who believe they are above the law, as well as the general lawlessness on our roads.
Kaunda said the concerns raised will be discussed with relevant departments.
During the meeting it was also revealed that the city’s bicycle patrol project will possibly be reintroduced by the end of the year.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
