Buthelezi said he did not believe Mbeki when he spoke to party members about the need for the government, law enforcement agencies and the public to combine against criminals and acknowledged that crime was an obstacle that if not dealt with, could undermine the ANC’s efforts to ensure that the country realise its social and economic potential.
"The recent appalling crime statistics illustrate that the highly centralised system of policing much favoured by the ruling party is an abject failure. Policing must be decentralised as a matter of urgency, with a new and competent leadership,” said Buthelezi.