Councillor, police work together to clamp down on Mtubatuba seasonal crime spike

Police need to conduct house-to-house searches and shebeen raids, aiming to confiscate weapons and maintain public safety.

This is the view of Khula Village Ward Councillor Ntokozo Mlungwana, who was prompted to work with local law enforcement and residents in the fight against crime.

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Located near the popular holiday town of St Lucia, Khula Village has experienced a worrisome spike in crime rates recently.

With a surge in visitors, including migrant workers returning home and tourists flocking to the renowned nearby beaches, law enforcement faced the daunting task of ensuring public safety in a bustling environment this festive season.

According to Mlungwana, the ward, which is known for its multitude of drinking spots, witnessed late-night activities post-beach visits, contributing to a potential rise in crime incidents.

He said, last year saw cases of either fatal stabbings or shootings at these locations.

This year marked a positive turn as no reports of fatal stabbings or shootings were documented.

Despite this improvement, challenges persisted, as a fast-food establishment became the target of a robbery attempt, said the councillor.

“A woman was shot during the incident and is fighting for her life in hospital. Allegedly, the suspects, around 20 years old, are being pursued by the authorities,” said Mlungwana.

He said reecognising the seasonal surge in crime in the ward, with a notable decrease when the school year begins, authorities were taking proactive steps.

“As the ward strives for a safer environment, these measures aim to deter criminal activities and foster a sense of security within the community during the festive season,” said Mlungwana.

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