The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) notes with grave concern the province’s quarterly crime statistics, released earlier today by the Acting National Minister of Police. While some indicators show marginal decreases, KZN continues to contribute disproportionately to South Africa’s burden of violent crime.
SAPS stations including Inanda, Umlazi, Plessislaer, Chatsworth, Phoenix, Pinetown and Durban Central consistently rank among the highest contributors nationally, confirming a persistent crisis in policing, coordination and accountability.
Despite KZN having seen a decrease in murder rates over the past two quarters, our province still accounts for more than 20% of all murders country-wide. Contact crimes such as assault GBH, attempted murder and aggravated robbery also remain high. Many of these incidents continue to take place public spaces, liquor outlets, taxi ranks and residences, revealing gaps in visible policing, intelligence-led operations and by-law enforcement.
As a committed partner within KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the DA remains focused on constructive collaboration but will not shy away from highlighting systemic failures that place our communities at risk. Unity must not become an excuse for stagnation – it must drive urgent action.
We therefore call for the immediate implementation of a Provincial Joint Crime Response Plan to ensure coordinated action between SAPS, Metro Police, Traffic, KZN’s Department of Community Safety and Liaison and municipal enforcement teams. This plan must identify key hotspots, establish joint command structures and require weekly operational reporting.
High-burden SAPS stations must also see strengthened crime-intelligence capacity, including dedicated analysts, improved incident tracking and targeted operations against gangs and organised criminal networks. Law enforcement must also scale up visible policing in known hotspots, expand after-hours enforcement, intensify liquor-outlet compliance checks and improve safety in taxi nodes and commuter routes.
Leadership stability remains central to policing effectiveness. The DA calls for the urgent filling of SAPS senior vacancies, performance contracts for station commanders and quarterly accountability reporting to the Provincial Legislature. Community involvement is also vital and Community Policing Forums (CPFs), neighbourhood watches and rural-safety structures must be properly supported with resources, technology and formalised safety partnerships.
As a partner within the GPU, the DA stands ready to continue offering evidence-based solutions to rebuild safety and stability in our province. Crime is not inevitable. With political will, proper planning and genuine accountability, KZN can turn the tide and restore safety and dignity to all who live here.