Durban mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda has appealed to police and communities to shut down areas known as “hot spots” for crimes.
This is to eradicate escalating crime in the townships.
The mayor made this in a webinar conference on Saturday in response to the crime statistics released by the minister of police last week.
45% of the province’s crime occurred in Durban, while Inanda and uMlazi led the country with incidents of murder and rape.
Kaunda’s campaign against crime was themed “Communities reclaiming their rightful position in the fight against crime”
It includes community crime prevention associations and community police and youth forums.
Kaunda was displeased at the fact that some areas were labelled crime hot spots.
“I am challenging all station commanders to target those places regarded as no-go areas and reclaim them.
“We cannot embrace crime while people live in fear and distress. Sadly, even police are aware of these areas, it is unacceptable.”
He also said that corrupt police should be disciplined.
“I believe that every coach knows his players and their capabilities. Let’s arrest those colluding with criminals and bringing your uniform into disrepute. We need to take control of townships.
“We cannot co-govern with criminals. That must end. Also, police must retaliate when their lives are in danger. We are tired of burying police officers because of their leniency, while criminals are not,” he said.
