Note to Editors: Attached please find soundbite in English from Sharon Hoosen, MPL, DA KZN Spokesperson on Community Safety and Liaison.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal has issued a warning to residents and visitors to the province to stay away from Durban’s beachfront area at night, until such time as police patrols are increased. The move comes after two people – a man and a woman – were found dead on the sand dunes near Suncoast beach late yesterday. The pair appeared to have been stabbed to death.
The DA is deeply disturbed by this incident. In particular, we think of the families concerned and extend our condolences to them at this sad time.
This tragic incident is yet another reminder of how unsafe our communities are becoming. During the last two years, the Durban beachfront has practically become a ‘no go’ zone, with an increase in contact crimes which shows no sign of abating. This has coincided with visible policing including motorbike and horseback patrols slowly becoming non-existent, creating a breeding ground for criminals to thrive. It should therefore come as little surprise when we hear of murder, rape and other horrific incidents.
A look at the latest crime statistics for the two main police stations serving the beachfront – Point Police Station and Durban Central Police Station – show that contact crimes which include common robbery, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault and murder have all increased over the last three years. This is a clear indication that the police are failing to reduce crime and protect our communities.
The DA will today write to KZN Community Safety MEC Bheki Ntuli. We will call on him to urgently reinstate visible policing which must include foot patrols, motor bike and horseback patrols. Furthermore, we will remind him that crime happens every day and that such law enforcement cannot only take place during the festive season.
More and more people are becoming victims of crime – simply because the SAPS do not have a proper plan and are losing the battle against this scourge. Until this City takes the safety of its citizens seriously the DA will continue to warn residents and visitors to stay away.