In a significant development for the Elukwatini area, an impactful crime prevention stakeholders’ engagement took place today, led by the Executive Mayor, Cllr Daniel Nkosi and Mayoral committee members. The primary objective of this gathering was to address the escalating criminal activities in the municipality, particularly in and around the Central Business District (CBD) areas adjacent to Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality.
Nkosi expressed deep concern about the growing crime in Elukwatini, emphasizing its detrimental impact on both the community’s well-being and the local economy. He stressed that the persistently high crime rates pose a significant challenge to attracting potential investors to the municipality and highlighted the need for urgent and immediate measures to combat these criminal activities effectively.
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During the meeting, attendees raised alarming issues such as businesses falling victim to robberies, money heists and other criminal acts which have cast a dark shadow over the municipality. Everyone was in agreement that it a proactive strategy was urgently required to combat these. One promising approach discussed, was the consideration of a private-public partnership.
The station commander of Elukwatini Police Station shed light on the three most prevalent crimes in Elukwatini; business and house robberies and vehicle hijackings. He emphasized the vulnerability of businesses owners who reside on the premises as it provides criminals with easy access to safes and valuable assets.
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Another issue discussed was the presence of informal shacks near the CBD areas, making it challenging for law enforcement to effectively navigate and access routes during criminal activities. Cllr Nkosi further voiced concerns about illegal land occupation and said this could exacerbate criminal activities and called for greater cooperation between traditional leaders and the municipality to address this concern.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from the municipality to take decisive action against those engaged in criminal activities. The gathered stakeholders, including local law enforcement and community leaders, expressed a collective determination to address the rising crime rates and restore safety and security to Elukwatini and its CBD areas.
The Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality is poised to take significant steps towards a safer and more prosperous future for the community and its economy.
