KZN SAPS To Increase Stations and Officers in Pietermaritzburg Due to Increase in Crime
- The South African Police Service in KwaZulu-Natal is planning on increasing the number of officers and police stations in Pietermaritzburg
- The province's commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, said this was because the crime in the area was increasing
- South Africans were happy about the intended move, and some sang Mkhwanazi's praises for the efforts he was making in fighting crime in the province
- UNISA's Chair of the Department of Criminology and Security Science, School of Criminal Justice, Tinyiku Ngoveni, spoke to Briefly News about crime in the area
Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist in Johannesburg, South Africa, covered police investigations, police shootouts and court cases at Daily Sun for over three years.
Source: Getty Images
KWAZULU-NATAL — KwaZulu-Natal's South African Police Service Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said they might increase police visibility in Pietermaritzburg.
More cops in Pietermaritzburg?
According to SABC News, Mkhwanazi said the high levels of crime in the area warrant an increase in the number of police officers and police stations. Plessislaer is one of the stations with the highest cases of contact crime, including robbery and murder.
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Mkhwanazi issued a request to the higher authorities. He also said more satellite stations would be added.
"When you have the unity on the ground, it is not the same, so that is why we are pleading with the head office to increase the capacity in this area. But for now we have the study to demarcate the area, to develop the neighbouring stations," he said.
UNISA criminology chair speaks to Briefly News
UNISA's Chair of the Department of Criminology and Security Science, School of Criminal Justice, Tinyiku Ngoveni, spoke to Briefly News.
"In everything, there are advantages and disadvantages. For this call, the idea might be important, but a feasible study on the increase of police stations must be conducted first while taking into consideration the radius of the current police stations versus the geographical map," he said.
"The increase in police stations might also motivate citizens to see it feet to report crimes to the police stations that are closer to them. There is a likelihood that crimes such as robbery and other contact crimes might decrease with the additional police officers, especially having more visible police on the ground making patrol. Since the process might take long to implement, I suggest that special operations be emphasised with the support of other police officers from other stations."
Mkhwanazi receives praise
Netizens on Facebook were in agreement with Mkhwanazi's suggestion and saluted him.
Bongaz Khumalo said:
"Mkhwanazi is walking the talk."
Thembalekhaya Frank Mankayi said:
"We need you here in the Eastern Cape, general."
Lindoh Mlindoos said:
"That's a good idea. I think other provinces' commissioners should take the lesson from him."
Lavan Lavi Naville said:
"It will also solve the unemployment problems at the same time. He makes sense every time."
Thaps'n Thaps said:
"I think this country is coming alright bit by bit."
Mkhwanazi warns criminals
In a related article, Briefly News reported that Mkhwanzi issued a warning to criminals shooting at police.
He spoke after the cops in KZN shot and killed suspects who opened fire at the police when they announced their presence. He said if criminals shoot at the cops, the police will shoot back.
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Source: Briefly News
