KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli concerned about Inanda’s high crime levels

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has raised concerns about the high levels of crime in Inanda, following the shocking discovery of five mutilated bodies in Bhambayi, north of Durban.

The gruesome find, made in the early hours of Friday morning, has once again cast a spotlight on the urgent need to address safety and security in the area.

Disturbing Scene Uncovered

Provincial police stumbled upon a horrifying scene at a local sports ground, where three bodies were found bearing multiple injuries.

Two more bodies were later discovered in an open field approximately a kilometre away. Some of the victims’ body parts were reportedly missing, adding a chilling dimension to the already grim situation.

Law enforcement officials swiftly launched an investigation, which led to the arrest of 12 suspects believed to be connected to the murders.

Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda described the murders as brutal, noting that authorities are still piecing together the circumstances surrounding the killings.

“Swift police investigations have led to the arrest of 12 suspects in connection with the murders of five people who were butchered to death at two sports fields at Bhambayi in Inanda on Friday morning,” Netshiunda said.

Crime Hotspot

Inanda has long been identified as one of the most crime-affected areas in South Africa. Its high crime rate, particularly incidents of violent crime, has been a major concern for residents and local authorities.

Premier Ntuli acknowledged the township’s notoriety in crime statistics, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions to improve safety in the community.

“Inanda remains a significant focus for us because of the alarming levels of crime. The recent discovery only underscores the urgent need to restore law and order in this area,” Ntuli stated.

Community Concerns

Residents of Bhambayi expressed fear and outrage following the discovery of the bodies. Many called for increased police visibility and more proactive measures to prevent such heinous crimes.

One community leader, who chose to remain anonymous, described the atmosphere in the area as tense.

“We are living in fear. It’s not safe for anyone, especially at night. We need the government to act decisively before more lives are lost,” they said.

Ongoing Investigations

While police have made significant progress with the arrest of 12 suspects, investigations are far from over. Authorities hinted at the possibility of additional arrests as they continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.

The identities of the victims have not yet been made public, and police are working to notify their families. Netshiunda added that the motive behind the killings remains unclear at this stage but assured the public that no stone would be left unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

A Call for Action

Premier Ntuli called on local authorities, community leaders, and residents to collaborate in combating crime in Inanda. He emphasized the importance of strengthening neighborhood watches, improving street lighting, and deploying more resources to the police force.

“We need a united front to tackle the root causes of crime in our communities. This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for all of us,” Ntuli said.

Conclusion

The discovery of the mutilated bodies in Bhambayi serves as a grim reminder of the violence plaguing many South African communities.

While the arrests signal a step in the right direction, long-term solutions are needed to address the socio-economic challenges that often drive criminal behavior.

As investigations continue, the people of Inanda remain hopeful that justice will be served and that measures will be put in place to ensure their safety.

The tragic events of Friday morning are a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to restore peace and security to the area.