Note to Editors: Please note Riona Gokool, MPL sound bite in English
The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) notes with concern the recently released 4th Quarter Crime Statistics for the period January to March 2025. The figures confirm, yet again, that our country – and our province in particular – remains in the grip of a relentless crime wave that shows little sign of abating.
While there have been statistical improvements in certain areas, the reality is that far too many residents continue to live in fear, with communities across KZN feeling the devastating impact of violent crime.
As a key member of KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the DA reaffirms its commitment to working alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant stakeholders to build safer communities and restore public confidence in law enforcement.
The DA’s policy on policing offers a practical, evidence-based approach to crime prevention and enforcement. At the heart of our national and provincial safety strategy is the principle of devolved policing – bringing law enforcement closer to the communities it serves.
The DA’s plan calls for;
• Localised policing strategies which embed officers within communities to foster trust, improve response times and gather actionable intelligence
• Expanded forensic and crime intelligence capacity, supported by modern technology and real-time data
• Specialised units focused on priority crime areas including gang violence, drug trafficking, rural safety and gender-based violence (GBV) and;
• A robust campaign to reduce the number of illegal firearms in circulation throughout the province.
Moreover, the DA continues to push for a complete overhaul of SAPS – one that ensures every officer is properly trained, held accountable, and adequately resourced to perform their duties effectively. This reform is particularly urgent in the fight against GBV, where KZN has once again been ranked as the second worst-affected province in the country.
The DA strongly condemns the unacceptably high rates of sexual violence against women and children. We will not relent in advocating for urgent, coordinated, and sustained action to protect society’s most vulnerable. This must include addressing the root causes of GBV, such as dismantling patriarchal norms and promoting gender equality at every level of society.
The people of KZN deserve more than words – they deserve action, safety, and peace of mind. The DA will continue to lead the charge for a safer province where every individual can live without fear.