The growing number of violent crimes in Kokstad has raised urgent questions about what is driving the surge in killings and other serious offences.
Residents point to widespread substance abuse, chronic unemployment and poverty as some of the key factors placing vulnerable communities under increasing pressure.
The proliferation of illegal taverns and the sparse police presence are further fueling the crisis. The consequences are being felt on the streets every day.
According to community activist Nigel Sifile, Kokstad needs more police officers on the ground, and the police need to take the community’s concerns seriously and respond to their calls for help.
“The concern over policing also comes against the backdrop of a town that has changed considerably. Census figures show the population of the Greater Kokstad Local Municipality increased from about 66 000 in 2011 to more than 81 000 in 2022 of which is a rise of roughly 24%.”
Deputy Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson Luthando Mgadela says municipality is aware if what’s happening in the community.
“This little town has grown over the years and the police simply don’t have their resources to deal with high levels of crime. The municipality acknowledges the community’s frustrations with policing but emphasizes that deep-rooted social ills are creating fertile ground for violent crime.”
Kokstad Mayor Lwanda Madikizela says crime crisis is exposing more than a shortage of police resources.
“In Kokstad, the crime crisis is exposing more than a shortage of police resources.It is exposing the fault lines of a community battling poverty, substance abuse, and a lack of opportunities.”
WATCH | Women in Kokstad in southern KwaZulu-Natal say they fear for their safety and that of their children after the discovery of a body in Shayamoya township. SABC News’ Taliesha Naidoo has the details. pic.twitter.com/wnlIX2ul1w
— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 2, 2026
