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The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) notes the release of today’s First Quarter crime statistics for the province for the period April to June 2023.

According to the report, murder in the province has decreased from 1 623 to 1 584 cases. This is no cause for celebration when KZN remains South Africa’s murder capital, contributing a staggering 25.4% of all cases.

KZN’s Inanda and Umlazi SAPS also remain the stations with the highest number of murder cases in the entire country.

The report also states that KZN’s rape figures dropped by 3.8%. Again, this is little reason for praise while Inanda SAPS remains the worst station countrywide when it comes to the number of rape cases reported.

KZN’s crime statistics must be looked at for what they are – horrifically high. While overall numbers may be down, the reality is that 17 people were murdered every day during the three-month period while 21 were raped daily.

The reality is that no one is safe in our province, particularly our most vulnerable women and children. This is further evidenced by 651 cases of kidnappings in just 90 days, up by an alarming 76%. Not even our SAPS officers are safe, with six members tragically killed during just three months.

The vulnerability of citizens on our roads is not only limited to carnage, they are also at the mercy of criminals with a 44.4% increase in cash-in-transit robbery and a 57.9% rise in truck hijackings.

The DA has made numerous proposals when it comes to the safety of KZN’s people, to no avail. These include;

• More visible policing in our communities;
• Proper, ongoing training for SAPS officers;
• Functioning CCV cameras, particularly at hotspot areas;
• The use of drone technology to reduce criminal activity and;
• Body cams for law enforcement officers - a promise made by this ANC government for at least five years.

KZN’s people can no longer live in fear. The DA expects KZN Community Safety MEC, Sipho Hlomuka to account to the citizens of our province and present a turn-around plan to ensure their safety.

The 2024 elections will present the people of KZN with the opportunity to change the trajectory of our province and vote for a government that takes crime seriously.

Issued by Sharon Hoosen, MPL - DA KZN Spokesperson on Community Safety and Liaison