Nkosinathi Nhleko says those found on the wrong side of the law will pay for their deeds. Photo by Jabu Kumalo ~
MINISTER of Police Nkosinathi Nhleko has said politically related crimes remain a problem in KZN.
He said over 20 cases had been reported to police in the province.
Speaking in Tshwane yesterday at the release of the results of an investigation into political violence, the minister said incidents had increased leading up to next week’s election.
“We decided to set up a task team headed by Hawks boss Lieutenant-General Berning Ntlemeza.
“The team includes detectives, crime intelligence and other stakeholders. This is to help create an environment where the election can be free and fair,” he said.
Nhleko said one of the team’s objectives was to immediately attend to, investigate and prosecute all reports of politically motivated crimes in KZN.
He said through their investigations they had learned that the suspects involved were hired hitmen.
“We have received 14 cases of murder and attempted murder, two of arson and two for public violence. There were two cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and pointing of a firearm, and one of culpable homicide,” he said.
“We were able to make seven arrests for murder and two for attempted murder. We have also made three arrests for possession of unlicensed firearms and eight for public violence. We have arrested three people for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and three for pointing of a firearm.
“We are not going to drop the charges against those found on the wrong side of the law. They will face the law and pay for the deeds they carried out.”
