While the operation of illegal shebeens continues to be blamed for contributing to the high number of murder cases reported in KwaDukuza, the number of people being killed during house and business robberies is increasing, say police.

According to KwaDukuza Saps spokesperson Siphesihle Mnyeni, the presence of illegal firearms in the townships also needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Thembeni, Ntshawini and Doringkop are the areas with the highest number of murder cases, mostly as a result of stabbings and shootings. In Doringkop especially, murders are being committed during house robberies.

“At least one murder case is reported in these areas a week,” said Mnyeni.

He said most victims were males between the ages of 20 and 40.

The Courier recently reported that KwaDukuza featured among the top 30 police stations in several crime categories committed between April and June this year.

These include murder, attempted murder, residential robbery, robbery with aggravating circumstances, rape, attempted sexual offence and assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.

KwaDukuza recorded, among others, 34 murder and 38 attempted murder cases, 88 drug-related crimes – an increase of 28 cases compared to 60 last year – and 22 cases of possession of illegal firearms.

Another area of concern was the murder and robbing of tuck shops owned by foreigners.

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