KZN political violence about-turn smacks of an ANC under pressure

6 October 2023

The DA notes the Multi-Party Political Intervention Committee – to be hosted by KZN Community Safety MEC, Sipho Hlomuka in Durban next week - to deliberate on political killings and violence in our province.

We welcome any move towards making our province safer and will therefore attend next weeks’ meeting.

KZN has long been a hotbed of politically-motivated crime. Yet, to date, there has been little appetite by government to address this scourge. Next weeks’ committee meeting smacks of an ANC under increasing pressure to find solutions.

Claims that the committee has been in existence for years’ also demand scrutiny and the DA will request evidence in the form of minutes from earlier meetings.

The meeting comes after the DA led the charge with the launch of an anti-crime campaign in August. It is increasingly clear that KZN’s people have to rely on strong opposition parties to lead the way.

Government’s failure to act is further evidenced by its disregard for the Moerane Commission, released five years ago, which provides recommendations on curbing this scourge.

The DA will insist that this comprehensive Commission form the basis for any discussions. We will also insist that the process going forward is chaired by a non-partisan individual, and not the MEC.

KZN is under siege yet several commitments by KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube during her State of the Province Address (SOPA) are yet to be honoured.

These include SAPS body cameras, cameras at crime hotspots, drone technology to deter and apprehend criminals and increased visible policing to keep communities safe.

During a recent crime debate in the provincial Legislature, the DA raised these issues. Yet, to date, there is no word from this ANC-run government.

The reality is that almost 30 years into democracy, KZN’s people are yet to enjoy the freedom that comes with living in an environment that is safe.

They will have the opportunity to rescue our province when they go to the polls in 2024 and vote for a government that takes crime seriously.

Issued by Francois Rodgers, Leader of the DA in the KZN Legislature, 6 October 2023