Police Minister Bheki Cele says he is concerned about the escalating crime rate in KwaZulu-Natal.

Cele was addressing the media on Saturday night at a roadblock in uMlazi south of Durban. uMlazi is among the top four townships in the country with the highest crime rate.

At the roadblock some motorists were arrested for charges including drunk driving.

Cele added that police in the province are ready for Monday’s national shutdown.

“We are trying to work on the visibility of police. Indeed prevention is better than cure. We want this activity to be fruitful to find a lot of illegal firearms. But it’s also about working on things to ensure everything is stabilized before Monday comes. The Monday protest should not be criminalised, those people have the right to march, only thing we are calling upon them they themselves should not criminalise that activity.”

Police in KZN conduct roadblocks ahead of EFF shutdown:

Situation in Durban CBD right now as students affiliated to the Economic Freedom Fighters stage a peaceful walk towards South Beach. Students say they are starting to mobilise ahead of Mondays nationwide protest. Police are monitoring the crowd. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/CnBJbFfiCl

— Jayed-Leigh Paulse (@JayedLeigh) March 18, 2023

#sabcnews KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi says investigation into the murder of rapper Kiernan Forbes, known as AKA are yielding positive results. AKA was shot dead outside a popular night spot on Durban’s Florida Road a month ago.@JayedLeigh pic.twitter.com/zHmyYisIHU

— Nonjabulo Mntungwa (@NjabuloMntungwa) March 18, 2023

#sabcnews Police Minister Bheki Cele conducts a roadblock at Umlazi Township south of Durban. KZN is gearing up for EFF’s national shutdown on Monday . Umlazi is also said to be a hotspot including Phoenix, KwaMashu and Durban CBD where police deployments have been increased. pic.twitter.com/3utizkwh8x

— Nonjabulo Mntungwa (@NjabuloMntungwa) March 18, 2023

[IN PICTURES] @SAPoliceService top brass visit to Durban ahead of the #NationalShutdown the visit areas worst hit during #JulyUnrest Minister Cele & Nat Commissioner engaged community members, reminding them of their rights and responsibilities when protesting. pic.twitter.com/Y4niTudJyQ

— Lirandzu Themba (@LirandzuThemba) March 18, 2023