KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli calls for increased police presence in Wentworth following violent shooting

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli is engaging with provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, to call for additional deployments of police officers in the Wentworth area following the killing of two people.

It was reported that two individuals were killed and seven others wounded in a shooting on Friday.

In a statement, the premier's office said, “Premier Ntuli is currently engaging the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner to ensure the immediate deployment of additional police officers to Wentworth. This is aimed at strengthening police visibility and restoring peace and stability in the area.

“The Premier is also planning to take the Premier’s crime-fighting Imbizo to Wentworth, where he will engage directly with the community. He will be accompanied by law enforcement and crime-fighting agencies operating across KwaZulu-Natal,"  said the statement. 

Ntuli expressed deep concern over the recurring gun-related violence that continues to destabilise communities across the province.

He stressed that a unified and consistent effort is essential to dismantle criminal networks, reduce the circulation of illegal firearms, and restore peace in affected communities, said the statement.

“The people of KwaZulu-Natal deserve to live in safe and peaceful environments. We cannot allow gun-wielding criminals to hold our communities hostage. I am calling for immediate action, strengthened policing operations, and the full weight of the law to be brought upon those responsible for this barbaric act,” said Premier Ntuli in the statement.

He further urged community safety structures and residents in Wentworth and surrounding areas to cooperate closely with law enforcement authorities. He stressed that community information-sharing is crucial for identifying suspects, speeding up investigations, and preventing further incidents.

THE MERCURY