Central Durban has officially, for the second year in a row, been declared the robbery capital of South Africa. 

The area has twice topped the national crime statistics with the most cases of robbery with aggravated circumstances, more than 3 000 during the period April 2006 to March 2007, showing a significant increase from the previous year. 

KwaMashu remains the most dangerous suburb in Durban, with 254 people having been murdered in the period in question. There were also 211 attempted murders and 501 rapes over the same period. The latest statistics have also revealed that there were 3 215 cases of robbery in central Durban, an increase of nearly 500 cases, up from 2 721. 

And so the statistics go on – amid the repeated reassurances from the KwaZulu Natal MEC for Community Safety and Liaison that crime is under control and falling. 

The IFP believes that these statistics should be a major wake-up call for our self-indulgent provincial government. Crime fighting should become the preoccupation of the responsible MEC who seems more interested in defending the right of public office bearers to controversial blue lights. 

We in the IFP rightly fear that the unflattering reputation of South Africa’s robbery capital will have, if it goes unchecked, some disastrous consequences for Central Durban and everyone who lives and works there. 

There is a tangible risk that businesses could start moving out and the city will become a crime-ridden ghost town. This would undoubtedly deepen the existing crisis of homelessness, drug-peddling and prostitution in the city centre. 

Virtually uncontrollable crime is a real enough threat to the fast approaching 2010 World Cup. Building first-class facilities for the upcoming sporting event is one thing. Making the city safe for locals and visitors alike is quite another.

Dr Lionel Mtshali MPP
Leader of the Official Opposition

Contact: Dr Lionel Mtshali, 083 256 4902