KZN Legislature parties welcome King Misuzulu’s call to address province’s rampant crime

DURBAN - Political parties in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature have welcomed King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s call to address rampant crime in the province.

The Zulu monarch addressed the official opening of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature on Tuesday.

He urged the provincial government to tackle crime urgently.

ALSO READ: Zulu king calls for urgent action against growing gun violence in KZN

Unlike other provinces, the opening of the legislature in KwaZulu-Natal is initially addressed by the Zulu king a day before the premier’s address.

The king’s address focused on fighting crime.

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party’s Siphiwe Moyo said curbing crime would positively impact the province's tourism sector.

“My highlight of the day is how he spoke hard on issues of crime, because how can you attract tourists if there is so much crime in this province?”

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) provincial chairperson Mongezi Twala said he was happy the king made an urgent call to crack down on crime.

“No one has since had a clear programme on how to address such issues. We are really happy, and we welcome the king’s speech today [Tuesday]. It was clear, and he gave a clear direction on the issue of GBV [gender-based violence] in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.”

Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC)’s Siboniso Duma echoed similar sentiments.

“We are glad that the king dealt with fundamental pillars and also thanked the role that has been played after the 29th of May.”

The provincial government and police are due to hold a summit focusing on crime in August.