In a determined effort to address South Africa’s escalating crime rates, Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, an EFF Member of Parliament and CCT Deployee in KwaZulu-Natal, led critical oversight visits to Inanda and Thohoyandou police stations, two of the country’s most violent. These visits were aimed at assessing the challenges these stations face and developing strategies to strengthen their crime-fighting efforts.
At the Inanda Police Station in KwaZulu-Natal, which has the unfortunate distinction of being South Africa’s top station for murder rates, Dr. Ndlozi met with station management to discuss crime prevention strategies. The discussions focused on the contributing factors behind the high crime rates, particularly gender-based violence (GBV) and alcohol abuse, both of which are deeply rooted in the community and fuel the area’s violence.
As part of his continued commitment, Dr. Ndlozi has “adopted” the Inanda Police Station to ensure it receives the necessary support to serve the local community effectively. “The EFF will not turn a blind eye to the scourge of violence in Inanda. We must address the root causes, including GBV and substance abuse, while ensuring the police are properly equipped to tackle these challenges,” said Dr. Ndlozi during the engagement.
The oversight didn’t stop in KwaZulu-Natal. Dr. Ndlozi, who also serves on Parliament’s Portfolio Committee of Police, proceeded to Thohoyandou in Limpopo’s Vhembe region. This station ranks second nationally for rape cases and faces serious difficulties. In meetings with the station’s management, Dr. Ndlozi explored critical issues such as staff shortages, inadequate police vehicles for community patrols, and limited resources, which hamper efforts to combat violent crime, especially against women.
Joined by EFF Deputy Secretary and MPL Fighter Baloyi Dunani, Dr. Ndlozi stressed the urgent need to boost resources and enhance police visibility in high-crime areas. The delegation emphasized the importance of government support to ensure these stations can better protect vulnerable populations and reduce crime levels.
The oversight visits highlight the EFF’s ongoing commitment to addressing systemic issues within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and tackling the broader socio-economic factors that contribute to rising crime in the country.
By engaging directly with station leadership, Dr. Ndlozi and the EFF aim to drive long-term solutions that will transform these communities and create safer environments for all residents.