KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi Attributes Surge in Crime to Absent Fathers
KwaZulu-Natal’s Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has ignited discussion by pointing to absent fathers as a key factor behind the province’s rising crime rates.
His remarks came during the Crime-Fighting Imbizo at Glebelands Hostel in uMlazi, an event hosted by Premier Thami Ntuli and attended by community members, social partners, and other stakeholders.
Broken Families Push Youth Toward Crime
Mkhwanazi argued that young men growing up without fathers often turn to gangs or seek guidance in the wrong places. He highlighted 4,278 murders reported in nine months as evidence of the social vulnerabilities exploited by criminals.
“Without fathers, young men often seek role models in the wrong places,” Mkhwanazi said.
He specifically singled out Umzinyathi District, linking high crime rates there to the prevalence of polygamy. Many boys in the area grow up without direct guidance from their fathers, he said.
“Just go around and find any boy from this culture. Most of them say, ‘I don’t know my father,’ or ‘my father had me and my siblings, got another wife in Johannesburg, and we had to fend for ourselves,’” he explained.
A Three-Step Plan to Combat Crime
The commissioner also unveiled a three-step crime prevention plan, emphasizing stronger community partnerships and tackling the social factors behind criminal behavior. The plan seeks to address root causes, rather than relying solely on policing, and encourages mentorship, family cohesion, and social accountability.
Mixed Reactions From the Public
Mkhwanazi’s statements have sparked mixed reactions online and within the province. Some praised him for highlighting the role of family and mentorship in crime prevention, while others argued that systemic issues such as poverty and unemployment remain the main drivers of criminal activity.
@MrsMonicca;
True , Most women in South Africa are single mothers that why the birth rate need to continue declining. Less births less baby mother less crime
@teffo_ME;
That’s not true 
kids just grow up and make their own choices no stats have proven that not growing up with a father turn kids into criminals
@Nkulerrh;
That’s partially true dads are very much absent to many kids from wedlock’s
@Sthamber;
General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi hit the nail on the head again. Gangsters recruit boys from fatherless homes. South Africa is a fatherless society while women are left to carry the load alone. Colonialism and Apartheid made it run deep..
@lluvmzansi2;
Father absence is strongly correlated with higher rates of juvenile delinquency and related social challenges but it’s not the sole cause. But his correct tho
@Lolo101M;
I love Mkhwanazi very much. But, on this point o bua nyoso.
Growing up in a poverty stricken community. Even if, your father is present. He too, prays for the son not fall into crime.
Either you choose to be a product of your environment or the environment becomes your product
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