The DA in eThekwini is deeply concerned by the number of shootings and murders that have occurred in the Metro this past week.
There were 10 reported firearm-related incidents, of which eight were fatal shootings, including that of a 15-month old baby.
These incidents have occurred in crowded public places, like vehicle testing grounds, magistrate courts, and taxi ranks, where ordinary citizens are at risk.
It is unacceptable and distressing that these callous criminals stop at nothing to accomplish their mission, including murdering an innocent baby to get to their target.
Security in Magistrates Courts and vehicle testing grounds which are public spaces where people should feel safe to go about their business seems to be ineffective.
Our concern is the safety of our citizens in and around the City. Metro Police and law enforcement within the city, need to work closely with SAPS in their investigations for the effective arrests and prosecution of the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.
I have written to the Head of Metro Police, Steve Middleton, requesting that a specialized crime-fighting division within Metro Police be set up, to deal with incidents of serious crime in the city.
I have also written to the DA Shadow Minister of Police in Parliament, MP Andrew Whitfield, to address these concerns with Police Minister Bheki Cele.
The DA has been calling for the Metro Police to urgently consider commissioning a specialized crime unit to deal with serious violent crime in eThekwini.
Where the DA governs we have introduced hijacking units to protect our citizens. We will continue to make sure that the safety of our citizens is made a priority.