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The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) will continue to push for a comprehensive reform of SAPS in the province in a bid to improve citizens’ safety.

The commitment comes after the recent release of KZN’s crime statistics for the Third Quarter of 2024/25. While the DA notes the decrease in KZN’s crime levels in some areas, there remains much work to be done in order for our provinces’ people to feel safe.

The national decrease in murder and sexual offences is encouraging - signalling the potential impact of various crime-prevention strategies – however, KZN’s contribution to these statistics remains unacceptably high.

KZN's situation remains complex, an alarming reality against the backdrop of already high levels of violent crime. Rape and sexual offence rates also remain alarmingly high, with Inanda and Umlazi SAPS offices again identified as top offenders for these crimes, underscoring the severity of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in our province.

The statistics come despite a nationwide push to address this scourge and KZN’s persistently high statistics suggest that current measures are not effective enough. Victims of GBV in KZN still face underreporting, insufficient police response, and inadequate victim support services.

There is also a noticeable gap in police resources and effectiveness in KZN. While crime-fighting strategies are being implemented, issues such as underfunding, personnel shortages, and the challenge of community-police relations remain ongoing concerns. The DA will continue to push for greater investment in police infrastructure and more community-focused policing efforts to ensure citizens long-term safety.

While there may be reductions in crime in some areas, socio-economic conditions – including high unemployment, poverty, and inequality remain entrenched. These factors continue to drive property crimes, gang violence, and organized crime. Tackling these root causes is crucial in reducing KZN’s overall crime burden but will require holistic interventions beyond just law enforcement.

This means a comprehensive approach to tackling the root causes of crime which includes;
• More specialised task forces to focus on high-crime areas and more efficient intelligence gathering and response
• An increased focus on the protection and support of GBV victims including better support services, shelters, and access to justice
• Increased investment in community policing and public awareness campaigns to build trust and cooperation between residents and law enforcement and;
• A greater focus on social programmes to address the root causes of crime including youth unemployment, lack of education and economic disenfranchisement in order to reduce the conditions driving crime in our province.

The DA will write to Premier, Thami Ntuli – under whose office KZN’s Department of Community Safety and Liaison falls – with the urgent request that he implements these recommendations. We will also ensure that they are on the agenda at the next meeting of KZN’s Community Safety and Liaison portfolio committee.

As part of KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) the DA remains committed to finding solutions to crime in KZN. The people of our province deserve to live their lives without fear.

Issued by Riona Gokool, MPL - DA KZN Spokesperson on Community Safety and Liaison