The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has warned
landlords that they could face arrest for renting properties to undocumented
foreign nationals as part of efforts to strengthen crime prevention in the
province.
According to Eyewitness News, KwaZulu-Natal
Premier Thami Ntuli issued the warning during a crime-fighting community imbizo
held in Mzingazi, northern KwaZulu-Natal, on Wednesday, where thousands of
residents gathered to discuss strategies for tackling crime.
The premier's remarks followed concerns raised by
traditional leaders, who alleged that rented cottages often serve as hideouts
for criminal suspects who are difficult to trace after committing offences.
Ntuli urged landlords to take greater responsibility
by verifying the identity of prospective tenants before renting out their
properties.
He said property owners should ensure that tenants
present valid identification documents before being allowed to occupy any
residence.
The premier also encouraged community members to
report landlords who knowingly accommodate undocumented foreign nationals,
stating that law enforcement agencies would investigate such cases and take
appropriate legal action where necessary.
According to Ntuli, stronger community cooperation and
stricter enforcement of immigration laws at the local level are essential to
preventing criminal elements from exploiting gaps in the system and improving
public safety across the province.
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