WATCH | Communities urged to unite against crime

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has called on communities to work closely with police and report criminal activity as part of efforts to curb rising crime in the provincial capital. Ntuli was speaking on Saturday during a high-level crime prevention imbizo held in Caluza under the Msunduzi Municipality. The engagement forms part of intensified provincial efforts to address escalating crime in Pietermaritzburg, which remains one of the province’s key hotspots.

The premier said fighting crime required a collective approach, with residents playing an active role alongside law enforcement agencies. “We cannot win the fight against crime if communities do not work with the police. Reporting crime and sharing information is critical in ensuring safer neighbourhoods,” Ntuli said.

His visit comes amid growing concern over crime trends in the city, with communities increasingly calling for stronger intervention. Earlier in the day, Ntuli visited Plessislaer Police Station, where he met with members of community policing forums and police officials. The station is regarded as one of the busiest in KwaZulu-Natal and continues to feature among the province’s top crime hotspots.

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According to recent statistics, Plessislaer recorded about 730 contact crimes in a single reporting period, placing it among the highest in the province. Ntuli said government would continue to strengthen crime prevention strategies, including improving police visibility and deepening partnerships with communities. Residents attending the imbizo raised concerns about violent crime, drug-related offences and slow police response times, urging authorities to act decisively. The provincial government has committed to ongoing engagements with communities as part of broader efforts to restore safety and rebuild public trust in law enforcement.

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