Zululand outperforms other districts in reducing crime
Amajuba among districts recognised for crime reduction
Deputy provincial commissioners and district commissioners converged at the SAPS Academy in Chatsworth on Thursday last week to account for prevailing crime in their respective areas, and provide input on how they plan to improve their performance in reducing crime.
Amid robust deliberations, Acting Provincial Commissioner of KZN, General Phumelele Makoba, introduced a first for KZN – a Performance Improvement Appreciation segment.
Makoba took the opportunity to hand tokens of appreciation to district commissioners whose districts improved the crime picture regarding individual crimes within the 17 ‘Community Reported Crimes’ in the first quarter of the 2026/2027 financial year.
Harry Gwala and Ugu districts received bronze certificates for their efforts in fighting crime in the province.
Both districts reduced figures in seven individual crimes and stabilised one individual crime.
The silver award was presented to districts that had reduced figures in eight to 10 individual crimes.
Among the recipients of the silver awards were eThekwini District, iLembe District and King Cetshwayo District, which each reduced 10 individual crimes, as well as Umgungundlovu District which welcomed a reduction in nine individual crimes, while Uthukela District and Umkhanyakude District reduced crime in eight individual crimes each.
Uthukela further stabilised one crime in the process.District Commissioner of Amajuba, Major General Fred Alexander, was among the KZN district commissioners who were awarded for good performance by Makoba.
Amajuba among districts recognised for crime reduction
Amajuba District received the silver certificate of appreciation after the district reduced eight individual crimes during the first quarter of the 2026/2027 financial year. Operations by police officers within
Amajuba District saw the reduction of violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and sexual offences.
Increased police visibility in Amajuba further led to the reduction of crimes such as carjacking, house robberies, business robberies, cash-in-transit robberies, and truckjacking.
Regarding property-related crimes, Amajuba District continues to make notable strides, seeing a decrease in individual crimes such as burglary, both at residential and business premises; theft of or out of motor vehicles; as well as cases such as arson, kidnapping and theft.
“This is testament to the determination and dedication of men and women in blue who brave different weather conditions and work day and night to protect the residents of the district and their property,” said Makoba.
Gold awards went to Umzinyathi and Zululand districts, which reduced 11 and 12 individual crimes respectively.
Harry Gwala, UMkhanyakude and Umgungundlovu districts also received special recognition certificates for their efforts in improving performance regarding crime dependent on police action.
Awards aim to encourage sustained improvement
In her closing remarks, Makoba said provincial management saw fit to reward good work and recognise improved performance.
“We are all wearing this uniform because we want to serve and protect our communities.
“While there is a lot that needs to be done, we need to applaud good work and celebrate our gains,” she said.
This sentiment was echoed by Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Corporate Support, Major General (Dr) Siyanda Ngcobo, who said the certificates are just a starting point.
“We did not want to start big and fail to sustain. We are hopeful that continued improvement in performance will be rewarded with monetary awards in the near future,” said Ngcobo.
District Commissioner of Uthukela, Major General Thulani Gonya, spoke on behalf of all district commissioners in extending his appreciation for the gesture.
“General, you referred to what you have just done for us as a small token of appreciation.
“Let me assure you, however, that this is massive. I took a picture of the certificate and put it on the group, and my phone is buzzing.
“The members on the ground are happy. They appreciate the recognition and acknowledgement.
“We all know that a happy workforce is a productive one.
“This was unexpected and we thank you for paying attention to the little improvements we make in the provincial crime picture,” said Gonya.
“The awards segment does not absolve district commissioners from accounting for the crimes that continue to terrorise the communities they police.
“The quarterly Provincial Management Forum (PMF) is a session in which nothing is left unturned in the quest to tame criminals and create a safe KwaZulu-Natal,” Makoba concluded.
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