Pretoria - In a bid to root out crime in Durban and the surrounding areas, eThekwini Municipality and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Community Safety and Liaison have launched Operation Hlasela in uMlazi.
Operation Hlasela (meaning attack) is aimed at involving the community and all relevant stakeholders in the fight against crime.
During the launch, which started with a march at uMlazi ComTech, MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Willies Mchunu emphasised that crime was a problem affecting everyone and urged residents to report all kinds of crime.
He further promised to strengthen the Community Policing Forums in the area to ensure that people enjoy peaceful nights without fear of being robbed.
EThekwini Mayor Obed Mlaba also urged residents to stand up and be united in the fight against crime.
Chairperson for the Health, Security and Social Services Cluster in the municipality, Nomvuzo Shabalala, urged parents to play a role in ensuring that their children do not get involved in criminal activities, adding that government was willing to assist and support anyone who wants to participate in such an important initiative.
"When you know that your child is involved in such activities, do not protect them from the police. Report them so that they can be dealt with lawfully," Shabalala urged parents.
The event was followed by an official opening of the uMlazi Metro Police Station, which is expected to play a significant role in rooting out criminals as the area.
Operation Hlasela in Durban was first launched in KwaMashu last year, following the release of crime statistics showing that the area was one of KwaZulu- Natal's worst crime hot spots.
The operation is to be extended across the province.
