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The IFP believes that the incompetence of the Crime Intelligence Unit is, in part, to blame for the murder of six people in Folweni, South of Durban.

According to the police, it is alleged that on Sunday night, seven people were shot by unknown suspects inside a house on Mngadi Road in Folweni.

The IFP believes that the Crime Intelligence Unit in the province has a responsibility to be on the ground, gathering information. Firstly, to prevent such atrocities taking place, and secondly, to arrest those who commit these crimes. However, on numerous occasions, the criminals appear to be streets ahead of the Crime Intelligence Unit when planning and executing illegal activities. Furthermore, despite the Provincial Organised Crime Task Team, which is also in place to investigate such incidents, killings continue unabated. KwaZulu-Natal cannot be held hostage by ruthless criminals and murderers.

There are many good personnel within the ranks of SAPS and they must be given the necessary support to restore law and order in KwaZulu-Natal. It is our view that criminals can only be defeated if there is an increase in active, visible policing.

The IFP believes that we need to go back to basics, with the police no longer the sole guardians of law and order - all members of the community must be involved and be active in efforts to enhance safety.  Without strong ties to the community, police may not have access to pertinent information from citizens that could help resolve or prevent crime. Assistance will only be forthcoming from community members when police have established relationships of trust within the communities they serve.

Further, the IFP believes that gathering pertinent information on time will assist the Crime Intelligence Unit and go a long way towards preventing criminal activities and keeping our citizens safe.

Issued by IFP