POLICE Minister Senzo Mchunu has committed to intensifying efforts to combat the escalating crime in the troubled neighborhoods of Inanda and Chatsworth that are both notorious for their surging criminal activity.

With residents rattled and running scared as the murder rate spiked recently in both areas, Mchunu promised decisive action.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily News, Mchunu expressed deep concern about the increasing crime rates in those and other affected areas around the country, and vowed to ramp up law enforcement measures.

“We are devastated by the recent spike in crime in areas like Inanda, Chatsworth, and other parts of KwaZulu-Natal. We will not rest until we address these issues across the country, including high-crime zones like Alexandra in Johannesburg,” said Mchunu.

Mchunu, also a senior member of the ANC’s national executive committee, emphasised the urgency of the situation, highlighting the need for more robust action to curb crime in KZN (KZN), which is currently grappling with significant resource limitations.

“We are committed to eradicating crime and building a safer society where criminals have no place to hide,” he added.

The community in Chatsworth and Inanda have grown increasingly frustrated, with residents of Inanda taking to the streets recently with an appeal for protection to the authorities recently.

Inanda, a residential area located to the north of Durban, recorded seven murders in three days last week.

The Silverglen Nature Reserve in Chatsworth, over 40 kilometers south of Inanda, is also regarded as a crime hotspot, with a spate of violent incidents and six dead corpses' being found in this vicinity since the beginning of the year. This crime and series of grisly finds has also triggered an outpouring of anger and concern from local residents.

Ricky Naicker, a resident of Silverglen, expressed the growing sense of urgency. “We can’t stand by while bodies are dumped near our homes. We are calling on the police to take stronger action. We've arranged for a community meeting on Thursday, and we’re also inviting local authorities to attend and discuss how we can work together to stop the crime,” Naicker stated.

He noted that the Silverglen Nature Reserve was previously regarded as a peaceful sanctuary but has since become an haven for.

Naicker warned, “If immediate action isn’t taken, more bodies will continue to be found here. The government must step in before it’s too late.”

Tony Govender, the DA ward councillor for Chatsworth, echoed similar concerns, calling on the Mchunu and the government to act decisively and make it their priority to restore safety in the area. “The government must intervene to end this scourge. If we work closely with the police, we can stop this crisis,” he said.

After last week’s wave of murders, Inanda residents were rallied together and gathered at the Amaoti sports ground, where they voiced their frustration and called for increased police interventions.

Armed with traditional weapons such as pangas and knobkerries, some community members have also suggested the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to help curb the violence.

“We’ve had enough. People are dying, and we’re living in constant fear. If the police can't control the situation, we need the SANDF to restore peace,” said Sbu Masinga, a community leader in Inanda.

In a recent meeting with business leaders, KZN's provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement, especially in light of the region’s strained resources.

“We are doing our best, but we cannot tackle this issue alone,” Mkhwanazi said, urging local businesses and communities to collaborate in the fight against crime.

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