KWAZULU-NATAL has recorded a significant decline in crime, according to Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia, who has praised Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and the men and women in blue for their efforts.

Cachalia was visiting the province for the first time since his appointment when he received a crime statistics briefing from Mkhwanazi and National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, along with deputy national commissioners.

Speaking at a multidisciplinary law enforcement parade at Hoy Park, Cachalia said he was encouraged by the progress made in the province. “As a result of the plan adopted by KwaZulu-Natal and the ability of SAPS members to execute it effectively, crime levels over the past year have reduced significantly,” said Cachalia.

“While crime remains too high, the decline is encouraging and mirrors the national trend. This shows that SAPS is not in crisis. There are committed men and women working daily to improve safety and security. There is still much work to be done, but we are not starting from scratch.”

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His sentiments were echoed by Masemola and Mkhwanazi, who provided an update on the success of Operation Festive Season, which was launched in October. “It has been relatively quiet in terms of crime in the province, including on our roads,” said Mkhwanazi.

“Since the launch of Operation Festive Season on October 30, which runs until the end of January, residents have been largely compliant. We entered the full festive phase on December 15, and the safety plan has been rolled out with precision to ensure a safe and secure season for all.”

Masemola added that law enforcement agencies nationwide were on high alert. “On the eve of Christmas, citizens must know that it is all hands-on deck across the country,” he said. Since October, more than 172 000 arrests have been made nationally, over 5000 illegal taverns shut down, and 635 stolen vehicles recovered.

“In KwaZulu-Natal, contact crime has decreased by 9%, while the national decrease stands at 18%,” Masemola said. “This shows that the province is contributing meaningfully to crime reduction. During operations, 541 illegal firearms have been removed from the streets, and more than 15 000 suspects have been arrested for offences including murder, sexual crimes and other contact crimes.”

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Masemola emphasised that gender-based violence remains a priority. “If it means spending Christmas behind bars, so be it. People must behave. No one has the right to disrupt others’ lives during the festive season,” he said.

To bolster policing efforts, an additional 1994 officers have been deployed across the province. Cachalia urged officers to remain visible and vigilant, particularly at beaches and entertainment hotspots.

“This is a time for hard work and commitment,” he said. “The December to January period is challenging for SAPS, but I have no doubt that you are equal to the task.”

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