Calls for urgent action as murders rise in Shiyabazali settlement, Howick

Rising murder cases in the Shiyabazali Informal Settlement have sparked fresh concerns among community leaders, with calls for intensified law enforcement operations including action against undocumented foreign nationals. The issue was raised during the 2026/2027 Integrated Development Plan (IDP)Khulumanathiengagement hosted by uMngeni Municipality on Tuesday, where members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) voiced growing frustration over safety in the area. The meeting, chaired by deputy mayor Sandile Mnikathi in his capacity as chairperson of the community safety portfolio committee, brought together law enforcement agencies and CPF representatives to address pressing crime challenges.

Chairperson of the Howick CPF, Therusha Govindsamy, said the informal settlement had seen a noticeable population increase, which she linked to a rise in violent crime. As the population grows, particularly with more foreign nationals moving into the area, we have seen an increase in murder cases. “We believe another targeted operation is needed to address illegal foreign nationals,” she said.

Mnikathi acknowledged the concerns and indicated that coordinated operations involving multiple authorities may be necessary. As uMngeni, we are always on the ground playing our role, but we need immigration authorities and other stakeholders to come on board. “We must act before the situation escalates and residents take matters into their own hands, which we have seen happening,” he said.

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Beyond violent crime, CPF members highlighted environmental factors they say are contributing to lawlessness. Overgrown verges along streets and the uMngeni River, as well as non-functioning streetlights, were identified as key concerns.

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