KZN police commissioner calls on youth to serve on force

Maintaining a criminal-free record is vital for a career in law enforcement.

This message was shared by KZN police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi at the KZN Police Awards held at the Durban ICC on Friday.

“Recruitment for entry-level police officers favours the youth. We are hosting these awards in June. Youth Month in our country. We are pleased that 34% of our functional workforce is still in their youth,” he said.

“This is complemented by a further 10% of young people who are in the police service in KZN as civilians. We would love to have more youth within our ranks, but it is a work in progress.”

Mkhwanazi also used the platform to honour those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“Between April 2024 and March 2025, we lost six police officers. Four of them were shot and killed by criminals when they responded to a robbery in progress or attended an active crime scene.

“SAPS in KZN is policing over 12.4 million citizens with just over 19 600 police officers. The killing of one police officer leaves many community members vulnerable,” he said.

In KZN, 38 shoot-outs have been recorded in the past year, with Mkhwanazi noting at least 10 officers involved in each.

“This means if criminals were successful in their missions, this province could have easily lost over 300 police officers in one year at the hands of criminals.

“Police will not back down from any shoot-out. We shall continue to face criminals head-on. No criminal is untouchable.”

Mkhwanzi commended the excellent work being done at various police stations, but said much is still to be achieved.

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