KwaZulu-Natal Premier Ntuli Rallies Support for Bold Crime Prevention Drive

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to creating a safer and more secure province, calling for heightened collaboration and strategic action through the Council Against Crime (CAC). Speaking in his capacity as Chairperson of the CAC, Premier Ntuli presided over the Council’s third official sitting at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre in Mayville, west Durban, a landmark meeting that marked a decisive step forward in provincial crime prevention efforts.

The gathering on Tuesday brought together senior representatives from government, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, and local communities to consolidate KwaZulu-Natal’s united front against escalating criminal threats.

CAC: A Pillar of Public Safety Since Its Formation

Established in November 2024, the CAC was formed to act as KwaZulu-Natal’s primary inter-sectoral platform to address rampant crime, enforce proactive measures, and strengthen community-driven safety mechanisms. Its mandate rests on three pillars: fostering broad-based collaboration, driving community-centred strategies, and implementing targeted interventions that deliver tangible safety outcomes.

The May sitting of the CAC culminated in the formal adoption of the Council’s Terms of Reference (TORs)—a foundational document that defines the Council’s strategic focus, operational parameters, and accountability framework. The TORs are expected to improve institutional clarity and promote measurable progress in tracking the province’s fight against crime.

Easter 2025: Coordinated Response Saves Lives

Premier Ntuli lauded the combined efforts of stakeholders, especially during the 2025 Easter period, when a concerted law enforcement initiative significantly reduced fatalities on provincial roads. Official data revealed a steep drop in road deaths from 47 in 2024 to 27 in 2025, a development the Premier credited to seamless coordination among the South African Police Service (SAPS), provincial traffic enforcement teams, and the responsible behaviour of road users.

“This reduction is not just a number—it represents lives saved and families kept whole,” Ntuli said. “It proves what we can achieve when we stand united and resolute.”

A Province Still Under Siege

Despite these gains, Premier Ntuli cautioned that KwaZulu-Natal remains vulnerable to a slew of serious crimes. He pointed to the growing frequency of cash-in-transit heists, the rise of sophisticated cybercrime syndicates, and the entrenched issue of gender-based violence and femicide.

The brutal murder of Sergeant Sanele Dlamini, a respected member of the Presidential Protection Services, was invoked as a grim reminder of the daily risks faced by law enforcement personnel. Ntuli offered condolences to Dlamini’s family and used the moment to reiterate the need for stronger support systems for officers.

Tackling the Socio-Economic Impacts of Illegal Immigration

Another key area of concern raised was the destabilising effect of illegal immigration. Premier Ntuli signalled the province’s intent to adopt a more assertive posture on the issue, aligning with the provincial slogan: “Engangeni ngesango iyafohla”—translated as “He who does not come through proper channels is forcing.”

He stressed that the unchecked influx of undocumented migrants puts unsustainable pressure on public services, undermines job security, and exacerbates socio-economic inequalities.

“No developing country can afford to have its systems weakened by uncontrolled, unlawful migration,” Ntuli warned. “We need to act decisively while ensuring we uphold the dignity and rights of all people within our borders.”

Shifting Mindsets: The Role of Communities in Crime Prevention

Premier Ntuli called for a holistic approach that balances enforcement with societal transformation. He argued that true public safety cannot be achieved without a shift in communal attitudes, especially when it comes to reporting crime and resisting criminal influence.

“Lasting peace and stability are not just about police presence—they require community ownership and active citizenship,” he said. “We must instil a culture of accountability, where every citizen understands their role in building safer neighbourhoods.”

Restoring Trust and Rebuilding KwaZulu-Natal

Looking ahead, Ntuli positioned the CAC as a pivotal mechanism for restoring public confidence and rebuilding the social contract between communities and government. He underlined the Council’s role as a catalyst for change and urged all stakeholders to remain committed.

“Without peace and stability, we cannot grow our economy, create jobs, or eliminate poverty,” he emphasised. “The people of KwaZulu-Natal are counting on us to turn these commitments into results.”

As KwaZulu-Natal battles increasingly complex and violent criminal threats, the CAC stands as a symbol of hope and resilience. Its latest sitting reflects the province’s readiness to transform good intentions into structured action, guided by data, public feedback, and inclusive governance.

Under the leadership of Premier Ntuli, KwaZulu-Natal is laying the groundwork for a future where safety is not a privilege, but a right guaranteed for every citizen.