Key Points:
- Crime has decreased in eThekwini and uMgungundlovu, thanks to collaborative interventions.
- Sexual offenses and assaults are rising, prompting new police-community initiatives.
- Officer shortages remain a critical issue, affecting service delivery and performance.
Crime Decline in Key KwaZulu-Natal Districts
DURBAN, South Africa — KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi presented updates on crime trends and strategic goals during a media briefing on Tuesday. This briefing followed a performance review session with senior officers to assess 2023–24 results and set objectives for the 2024–25 financial year.
Mkhwanazi said crime had decreased in major districts such as eThekwini and uMgungundlovu. These areas, which historically reported the highest volume of offenses, now show measurable improvements.
“In eThekwini, which records the highest crime volume, we’ve seen a notable overall decline,” Mkhwanazi said.
Community Partnerships Driving Police Success
Importantly, Mkhwanazi credited the drop in crime to strong partnerships with local communities and the private sector. Community patrols actively support police efforts. In addition, private companies provide resources like surveillance equipment and logistical help.
Police arrested more than 144,000 suspects across various categories of crime. Officers also recovered 3,662 illegal firearms and seized over 51,000 rounds of ammunition.
“These positive results show that with unity, we can win the battle against crime,” he said.
Clearly, the KZN police crime strategy is producing measurable results.
Sexual Offenses and Assaults on the Rise
However, not all trends are positive. Mkhwanazi expressed concern about the rise in sexual offenses, especially rape. He also said that common assault and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm had increased.
Many of these crimes occurred when the victim, the perpetrator, or both consumed alcohol. As a result, the police plan to increase awareness campaigns and community-based interventions.
“The rise in these crimes calls for urgent, unified strategies,” Mkhwanazi said.
The KZN police crime strategy now includes targeted operations to address gender-based violence and sexual offenses. KwaZulu-Natal also experienced a slight increase in cash-in-transit heists, reporting two more incidents than the previous year.
Manpower Shortage Threatens Progress
Meanwhile, the department faces another pressing issue—staffing shortages. Mkhwanazi explained that KwaZulu-Natal currently has only 19,600 active officers. Previously, the province had around 25,000.
These officers are responsible for protecting 12.4 million residents, along with both documented and undocumented immigrants.
Last year, 893 personnel left the police service. Of these, 805 were active-duty officers. Reasons included 220 retirements, 240 resignations, 140 early retirements, and 116 deaths.
Six officers died in the line of duty. Four of them were shot by criminals, and two died in road accidents. In addition, the department dismissed 106 officers for misconduct, including corruption and violations of the disciplinary code.
“We remain determined to protect our communities despite the limited resources,” Mkhwanazi said.
Still, police leadership continues to plan new strategies that will help them manage these challenges more effectively.
