KZN Premier Ntuli condemns rising trend of GBV cases being withdrawn
Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli addresses residents during a crime-fighting imbizo in KwaMadlala.
Image: Supplied
KwaZulu-Natal Premier and Community Safety and Liaison executive authority, Thamsanqa Ntuli, has condemned the growing trend of victims withdrawing cases related to Gender-Based Violence (GBV), along with other serious crimes.
The Premier was addressing more than a thousand community members during a crime-fighting imbizo held at KwaMadlala JB Sports Ground in Ward 15 of Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality on the KZN South Coast on Sunday.
During the engagement, Ntuli also expressed deep concern after being briefed on several unsolved cases of murder and attempted murder in the KwaMadlala area.
He directed law enforcement agencies, particularly the Southport SAPS, to intensify their investigations and ensure all perpetrators are apprehended..
The Premier also urged community members and representatives of community safety structures to remain vigilant and report all drug dens to authorities, emphasising the importance of community involvement in combating crime.
Acting District SAPS Commissioner, Brigadier Kaap said that law enforcement remains troubled by the high number of illegal and unlicensed liquor outlets operating in the area.
Community members who were attending the crime-fighting imbizo in KwaMadlala.
Image: Supplied
Ntuli said: “The high number of unlicensed liquor outlets is a serious concern. The consumption of alcohol is a causal factor in crimes such as house robberies, assaults, GBV and femicide.”
The Premier further called on all stakeholders to conduct collaborative, integrated operations to assess compliance and enforce regulations governing licensed liquor traders, adding that proper oversight is essential to restoring safety and stability in communities.
Earlier, Ntuli also engaged with 420 members of voluntary community crime-fighting structures from 36 wards within Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality.
During this session, he reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to professionalising and capacitating these structures to ensure they are better equipped to help curb crime effectively.
The Premier’s visit formed part of ongoing efforts by the provincial government to strengthen community-police relations, enhance crime prevention strategies, and address persistent safety challenges affecting residents across KwaZulu-Natal.