Hon MEC, the police management structures, the KZN Commissioner, our men in blue must be thanked for their efforts during the recent outbreak of violence and criminal activities.

The goal of the police is to protect life and property, and my appreciation goes out to their family members who bear loss, injury and illness of their loved ones.

The salary of police personnel has to be with benefits for the related job risks, and much has to be done to motivate the National Department for this.

The department has to focus on new forms or strategies of crime and the wide use of social media must be used to bring about awareness in the community.

I, admire the community participation on social networks, where areas have started facebook pages to alert the community about what’s going on, but more can be done with the R1 million for EPWP grant and which can be creatively utilized.

On cross-boarder crime, I am concerned about Northern KZN, and am sure the department and the BGOCC is aware that in the vicinity of Isimangaliso, squatters have come up on prime coastal land and I am told that people from other provinces are illegal occupants.

I want to express gratitude for the efforts but more must be done to coordinate maritime security , coastal and harbour protection, as “vulnerable”; yet key points of entry by just about everyone.

I want to thank the local police brigadiers, CPF’s, school safety committees, faith based organisations and local businesses for their efforts to fight crime in KZN together with the department.

The MF supports this budget with the above recommendations.