Durban — The DA in KwaZulu-Natal has called for ‘eyes and ears’ on the ground after more human remains were found in the province in recent weeks.
DA KZN community safety and liaison spokesperson Riona Gokool called on Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, under whose office the Department of Community Safety and Liaison falls, to fast-track the establishment of well-equipped Community Policing Forums (CPFs) and Neighbourhood Watches in the province’s crime hotspots.
Gokool’s appeal comes after the discovery of human remains at different locations across the province in recent weeks.
Over the last few days, human remains were found at separate locations in Amaoti, Inanda.
At the time of the first discovery, police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said Inanda police were investigating a murder case after human body parts were found along the main road next to a dumping site in the Lusaka area of Amaoti on Friday morning, October 4.
“A human head and feet of an unknown person were found inside a black plastic bag. Next to that bag was another transparent plastic bag containing human legs. Blood-stained clothing items and a blanket were found at the scene. Suspects are unknown at this stage.”
On Tuesday morning, Reaction Unit South Africa spokesperson Prem Balram said pedestrians discovered human body parts on the roadside in Amaoti. The remains were partially covered with a cream blanket and pink bed sheet.
“Reaction officers responded to the call for assistance and on arrival located a human torso with the arms still attached on a grass verge next to the main road,” Balram said.
“The remains were in a state of decomposition. A closer examination revealed that the spine had been removed from the torso.”
Balram said it could not be confirmed if the human remains were linked to the head and legs discovered in Amaoti on Friday.
Gokool said the DA acknowledges the hard work being done by law enforcement, including SAPS, in KZN.
She said according to media reports, the reasons for the heinous crimes remain unclear, and the DA urges the authorities to fast-track their investigations to ensure the successful apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators.
“In order for this to happen, communities and residents need to work hand-in-hand with SAPS and other law enforcement. They are the eyes and ears on the ground and can make a vast difference when it comes to making their own environments safer,” Gokool said.
“In the event that it is found that the crimes are “muti” related, SAPS must ensure swift prosecution. It must further be ensured that all practising sangomas in KZN have the necessary certification in line with legislation.
“By investing in our communities – through the establishment of well-equipped and functioning CPFs and other crime-fighting initiatives - the government can promote a whole-of-society approach and ensure a safer KZN for all.”
Citing the Western Cape as an example, Gokool said the province has committed itself to a strong focus on community-driven initiatives, with a total of 450 fully operational Neighbourhood Watches. The provincial government also provides starter kits including identification, torches, and first aid kits.
She said Neighbourhood Watches and Community Policing Forums also have the opportunity to apply for funding for specific projects while the Western Cape’s Department of Social Development also assists with specialised response training to some gender-based violence incidents.
Back in KZN, Gokool said the province’s residents deserve to go about their lives without constantly looking over their shoulders.
“The DA urges Premier Ntuli to do everything in his power to ensure this,” Gokool said.
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