DA to ask for more police in eThekwini

THE DA in eThekwini lambastes the inaction of eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda who sits in the comfort of his palace guarded by heavily armed security, while the rest of eThekwini is stalked by blood-crazed thieves and hitmen who go about their business unchallenged.

A decision has been taken that through our representatives in the provincial legislature, the DA will petition the provincial government to deploy more police in the crime hotspots in eThekwini.

Townships, suburbs, the CBD, and economic zones are under siege on a daily basis, with new cases being opened by the minute, and no relief appears to be in sight.

The city has at least 499 CCTV cameras, but only 98 are functioning, and Mayor Kaunda has done little to improve the situation despite the DA’s efforts.

Metro police has only 1 700 officers, whereas 7 000 are needed to help the city and SAPS in protecting eThekwini citizens and visitors.

Between January and March 2023, there have been at least 30 separate shooting incidents which include the killing of children as young as 9 years old. The most recent shooting incidents claimed at least 5 lives, leaving others injured.

While crime is a national issue, Kaunda cannot sit back and leave things to the ANC-led government which is clearly content with the high rates of murder, rape, gender-based violence, armed robbery and violent crimes. But then again Kaunda himself is leading an ANC-run municipality.

ANC councillors are costing the city millions of rands as many of them are guarded by security. They live in our communities but are insulated from the economic turmoil and rampant crime.

It is high time we discuss the realities we face that ANC-affiliated individuals occupying positions within leadership are not willing to address the issues plaguing our communities as they are immune to such problems.

COUNCILLOR THABANI MTHETHWA DA eThekwini Caucus Leader