THE IFP in KZN has expressed concern at the increased theft of state-owned vehicles, particularly those allocated to the Department of Social Development, which is losing the government millions.
IFP KZN spokesperson on Social Development, Les Govender, said the money, meant for service delivery, was directed to replacing state-owned vehicles which are being targeted by crime syndicates in areas such as uMgungundlovu and Indwedwe.
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He said a total of 53 Social Development vehicles, taken in hijackings between 2017 and 2020, were yet to be recovered.
‘About 21 vehicles have been recovered, but most were damaged from accidents, or had been stripped for parts,’ said Govender.
He said the problem is ongoing.
‘A few days ago, the department closed its office at KwaDambuza in Pietermaritzburg after a social worker was shot in the arm by hijackers, who then fled in the vehicle.
‘Last Tuesday, another social worker was hijacked on Edendale Road while en route to uMkhanyakude district.’
Govender said the Department of Agriculture had also been impacted, spending close to R14-million to replace around 23 vehicles that were allegedly stolen in the last two years.
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