The community members from different wards of uMfolozi Municipality raised their concerns to the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Honourable Thami Ntuli, particularly about crime and the challenges they face when reporting it.
The residents had this opportunity during a crime imbizo held at the Inkosi Mangosuthu Sports Ground in Mabhakede on 02 September 2025. Premier Ntuli personally attended after the Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, had reported to him the problem of crime, especially the increasing cases of women being murdered, which has severely affected Mbabe in Ward 08 and Ward 03.
Mayor Bhengu expressed hope that since this imbizo brought together various stakeholders, including representatives of the provincial police, positive change would come. He emphasized that fighting crime cannot be left to the police alone — it requires everyone’s participation. He urged residents to work with community policing forums stressing that doing so does not make them informants. He further appealed for collaboration with community organizations, as they also assist government in solving challenges faced by society.
Premier Ntuli assured the community that their grievances had been heard, but emphasized that collaboration was key, as his presence alone could not eradicate crime. He said that the people who remain in the area — the community itself — must work hand in hand with the police and safety structures to fight crime effectively.
Before meeting with the community, Premier Ntuli had first engaged with community safety forums from different wards, where they also had the opportunity to share their views and concerns.