THE FUSE

Celani Sikhakhane brings you KwaZulu-Natal’s latest news.

Pietermaritzburg: The IFP in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature commends KZN Premier Thami Ntuli for his role in advancing the renewal of the contract of KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. IFP member serving on the KZN Legislature Portfolio Committee for the Premier, Community Safety and Liaison, Blessed Gwala, said that this step supports keeping experienced and capable leadership within the police, strengthening efforts to fight crime, dismantle drug cartels and improve public safety. “We note that the process to finalise the renewal is currently underway and urge the relevant decision-makers to give it careful and objective consideration. We are confident that, in the interest of public safety and stability, they will act with sound judgment and in good conscience by supporting the renewal,” said Gwala. He says Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi has shown unwavering commitment in the fight against crime, serving with courage and dedication, often at great personal risk, and earning widespread public confidence.

Durban: KZN Transport Minister Siboniso Duma revealed that the province is determined to reduce road crashes and deaths on KZN roads by building on a strong foundation they laid over the festive season. “We achieved a historic 18% decrease in deaths for the first time in two decades. We want to copy this excellent performance over the next few weeks. As part of counting down to the Easter Holiday and Passover weekend, we will undertake the inspection of public transport vehicles next week, Tuesday, 24 March. This will be followed by the launch of the Easter Road Safety Campaign on the same day,” said Duma. The Head of the Department, Zibusiso Dlamini, is coordinating the implementation of the road safety plan involving the highly efficient team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate, eThekwini Metro Police and other key role-players such as the South African Police Service, Home Affairs Immigration Unit, SARS Customs and Excise, Road Traffic Management Corporation, Border Management Authority, traffic departments in various municipalities, religious leaders and leaders of society in general.

Amanzimtoti: Police in KwaZulu-Natal arrested five suspects aged between 22 and 41 years old for dealing in drugs following a successful operation conducted across four policing areas within the eThekwini District. The operation was conducted by the Provincial Organised Crime Narcotics and Organised Crime Threat Unit who followed intelligence about a suspect who was suspected to be dealing in cannabis from four of his shops located at Umbilo, Amanzimtoti, Brighton Beach and Montclair. The team executed the search warrant simultaneously on all targeted premises. The main suspect was arrested at a different location and was taken to his place of residence in Yellowwood Park where more cannabis was recovered. The street value of the recovered cannabis is estimated to be R1.3-million.

Pictured above: IFP’s Blessed Gwala commends KZN Premier’s call for the contract renewal of Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Image source: IFP