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Call for war against criminals

Mhlaba Memela

Mhlaba Memela

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sbu Ndebele has called for the launch of a countrywide "popular front against crime".

Speaking at the National Council of Provinces in Cape Town, Ndebele said crime remained one of the factors which undermined progress in the country.

He said part of the province's fight against crime should include the establishment of a "communities in dialogue forum" in which the police, education sector, transport sector, religious organisations, senior citizens, youth and women groups were represented.

"We come together and say no to crime in our streets and no to crime in our villages."

Ndebele said criminals were born out of families and communities and it was at this level where the real fight against crime began and would be won.

"A murderer is a criminal, a hijacker is a criminal and a person who buys stolen goods is not only a criminal, but makes crime viable."

Ndebele also spoke out against the murder of reggae icon Lucky Dube.

"We condemn the murders and hijackings in our country, including that of Lucky Dube, by criminal elements bent on undermining our progress.

"However, we are pleased that even in the case of Lucky Dube, it was the police working together with the community who ensured the speedy arrest of the suspects," said Ndebele.

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