Inanda under siege: Minister Mchunu condemns gangs boasting about their crimes on social media
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has condemned the actions of criminal gangs in Inanda who have been posting about the crimes on social media.
Image: GCIS
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has raised alarm over the escalating violence and boldness of criminals in Inanda in KwaZulu-Natal as organised groups have continued to terrorise communities and openly boast about their criminal activities.
Expressing concern, Mchunu said: “These criminals have brazenly posted on social media and boasted about their criminal nature, making mention that they recruit others into this life of crime.”
He noted that the situation in Inanda had reached a critical point, with communities coming under sustained attack from criminal elements bent on undermining public safety.
Despite these threats, Mchunu praised the swift and firm response of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the province.
He said he had been briefed by SAPS KZN provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on two separate incidents over the weekend in Hammersdale and Inanda, where police came under fire and responded with lethal force.
“In both instances, police responded with lethal fire to protect themselves while dealing with criminality a decisive blow. Communities deserve protection,” said Mchunu.
He commended the officers for their bravery and precision in dealing with the armed suspects. “Our officers demonstrated remarkable bravery and precision when faced with imminent danger; we commend their courage and professionalism,” he said.
Mchunu said the police’s success in removing six illegal firearms from society was a result of “relentless, intelligence-driven police work and strong community cooperation.”
He said the message should be clear that the police will not allow communities to be terrorised by criminals.
“It is clear to us that criminals are determined to pose more threats to communities and declare themselves enemies to all of us, and we will intensify our fight against them.”
Reiterating his firm stance on attacks against law enforcement, Mchunu added: “Anyone who attempts to attack police is actually attacking the state and will face dire consequences.”