Durban: KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli handed over 36 new police vehicles to provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre in Mayville on Tuesday.
Valued at over R14 million, the addition of these vehicles comes as law enforcement gears up for increased patrols during the busy holiday season.
Addressing the event, Ntuli underscored the importance of equipping the police with the necessary resources, particularly in high-crime areas.
“These vehicles will significantly enhance our ability to combat crime and maintain public safety during this festive period and beyond,” Ntuli said.
“We remain committed to supporting law enforcement to ensure the people of KwaZulu-Natal feel secure.”
The handover followed Ntuli’s presentation of the provincial crime statistics for the second quarter, which revealed both challenges and successes in the fight against crime.
While some categories, such as murder and sexual offences, showed slight declines, others, like assault and robbery, indicated increases, highlighting the continued need for targeted interventions.
Mkhwanazi welcomed the new fleet, acknowledging the ongoing resource constraints that the police face.
“Although there can never be enough vehicles, these new additions will help us respond to crimes more effectively and reach those who need us faster,” Mkhwanazi said.
He also issued a stern warning to criminals ahead of the festive season.
“We are warning criminals that they must leave our citizens alone. Police will be out in numbers to ensure that those who want to celebrate, do so in a safe and secure environment,” Mkhwanazi stated.
He emphasised that strict measures would be in place to monitor the use of the vehicles.
“We will ensure that vehicles are used for official duties only and we will act against those who abuse them for personal gain,” he said.
He noted that the new fleet forms part of an intensified provincial safety plan aimed at curbing crime during the holiday season.