KZN Premier Ntuli urges intensified crime-fighting efforts amid rising attacks against police, community safety activists

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has vowed to intensify targeted crime fighting operations across the province’s hotspots following a rise in deadly attacks on police officers and community safety volunteers.

The Premier’s strong stance comes after the killing of Muzi Mbongwa, a dedicated member of the Community Policing Structure (CPS) in KwaMlaba, Hammarsdale. Mbongwa was recently shot dead while carrying out his duties.

Premier Ntuli attended his funeral on Saturday, where he hailed Mbongwa’s courage, selflessness and commitment to protecting his community.

Describing the ongoing attacks as a threat to the province’s stability, Ntuli said the fight against crime requires a united approach involving communities, traditional leaders and law enforcement agencies.

He confirmed that he will meet with the KZN provincial police commissioner, Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, to discuss plans to boost police visibility and implement targeted operations in Hammarsdale following a spate of recent shootings.

Ntuli urged residents to support police efforts by reporting criminals and cooperating with anti-crime initiatives. He announced that intensified community safety campaigns and outreach programmes will be rolled out in Hammarsdale to restore calm and rebuild public confidence.

In a separate incident in eKhombe, Nkandla, two police officers were shot and injured while responding to a complaint in the eHlanzeni area. Both survived the attack. The suspect fled the scene but was later traced and arrested in Middelburg while attempting to flee to Johannesburg in a public taxi. Police recovered an unlicensed firearm.

Authorities confirmed that the suspect, who was positively identified, is currently out on bail for multiple murder cases in Johannesburg and the Qhudeni area. He is expected to appear in the eKhombe Magistrate’s Court on charges of attempted murder of police officers.

Premier Ntuli commended the swift arrest, praising the collaboration between community members, local traditional leadership and the SAPS. He noted that this successful partnership reflects commitments made during his recent Community Safety Crime-Fighting Imbizo in eKhombe, where residents pledged to strengthen cooperation with law enforcement.

As part of broader provincial efforts to foster unity and reduce crime, Premier Ntuli on Sunday launched the Premier’s Hostel Games at the Wemmer Hostel. The initiative brings together hostel communities from across KZN to promote peace, social cohesion and positive engagement - key pillars of the province’s crime-prevention strategy.

Ntuli reiterated that the provincial government is tirelessly working to ensure safety in KZN.

He said that reducing crime is crucial to restoring investor confidence, boosting job creation and strengthening the economy.

“We will not rest until every community in KwaZulu-Natal is safe. Our goal is a crime-free province where people can live freely, businesses can thrive, and opportunities can grow,” said Ntuli.