President Jacob Zuma commended the level of co-operation between police and the community in launching a policing forum at the Nkungumathe village, in Nkandla, on Sunday, his office said.

"From what I hear, the traditional authority, youth, and women in this community are really working hard to eradicate crime. This is commendable," said Zuma, according to his spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.

Zuma was accompanied on his visit by Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa and was briefed by the Mpungose traditional authority on rural development projects being undertaken by the youth in the area.

"It is very important for the youth to take a lead in community development activities," said Zuma.

"I am very happy that the youth here decided to align their community projects to government's five key priorities: rural development, education, health, creation of decent jobs and fight against crime," he said.

He emphasised the need to step up the fight against crime as part of the process of developing rural communities.

Zuma also appealed to communities not to take the law into their own hands. "If you manage to locate a suspect, please hand them over to the police without attacking them," he said.

The most common criminal activity in the area is stock theft.

Community members received certificates from the president for participating in various rural development initiatives.