South Africa’s top cop, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has sparked some debate after linking the abnormally high crime rates to the equally elevated levels of deadbeatism that plague the country. He spoke during the ‘Imbizo’ programme held in Umlazi.
As an effort to create conversation, restore community safety, rebuild the public’s confidence in communities, as well as identify solutions for the high crime rates taking over the province, the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Community Safety and Liaison hosted a crime prevention programme titled ‘Imbizo’.
During this event, KZN Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi covered a range of different topics, including the root cause of these high crime rates. The crime-fighting chief identifies the Umzinyathi district as the main hub of criminal activity, particularly for the youth, and attributes the high criminal activity to the high levels of absent fathers.
“Without fathers, young men often seek role models in the wrong places,” he says.
Mkhwanazi blames absent fathers for surge in crime
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has sparked debate by linking the escalating crime rates to absent fathers in many households.
Speaking at a provincial Stakeholders’ Engagement Session,… pic.twitter.com/FRxC9oZqK6
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) August 20, 2025
Usually, any words spoken by the general echo the greater community’s sentiments. However, this time is different, as the public is split and cannot seem to come to a consensus on whether Mkhwanazi’s points are valid or not. On one side, there are some who agree with the general, and believe that the lack of role models, particularly in black communities, has played a significant role in the way young men and boys view and navigate the world.
Great to see Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi addressing the damage caused by fatherlessness and broken families in South Africa. How these contribute to crime and shocking violence. I write about this in my book, Lessons from Past Heroes. Well done, Mkhwanazi! #economy #lawandorder #politics
— Phumlani M. Majozi (@PhumlaniMMajozi) August 20, 2025
General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is saying what I said to my colleagues after observing boys at our school, who are naughty boys, when looking at their backgrounds, fathers are absent,some are angry with their mothers for treating their fathers badly.
— Mr Baltasar Ebang Engonga (@KukuSelloane) August 20, 2025
Alternatively, the opposing side believes that the general has entered a topic that is out of his depth and has oversimplified a complex matter. These internet users believe that, despite being raised well and in good homes, young boys still opt for the lawless route. Furthermore, they highlight how factors such as poverty and unemployment are the culprit instead.
So not unemployment or poverty? https://t.co/2hFxzpx2Mk
— ♣️ (@Lihle_sk) August 21, 2025
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
— 👑 Emily T👑 (@teffo_ME) August 21, 2025
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