The robbers who burgled the KZN premier's house on Friday have been described as "arrogant."

Premier Sbu Ndebele said that even though the premises were guarded by armed police, the robbers were "arrogant" in that they still forced their way into the house.

He also believed that if the police guards had fired on the robbers, they would have returned fire.

"This displays the type of audacity these criminals have because police are here all the time on the premises as per regulation. And still the criminals came in here despite police presence," Ndebele said.

"If you go to a house that is guarded, it shows they were prepared to kill," he added.

Ndebele was speaking to Sapa, hours after his home in Durban's Glenashley area had been broken into.

The premier was not there at the time, but his daughter, her friend and a domestic worker were asleep in the house when the incident occurred after 4am.

They, however, were unharmed.

Ndebele said his computer, a DVD player and some clothing was taken.

He said he was "quite upset" because he had a lot of important information stored on he computer.

The premier added that this was not the first time he had been a victim of crime.

Ndebele called for a "Popular Front" against crime.

He said every citizen should be committed to strengthening the fight against crime.

"And whoever buys this computer and DVD, they are an accessory to crime.

"People must contribute by not buying stolen goods," said Ndebele.

Ndebele was not the only high profile person to fall victim to crime recently.

Earlier in May, President Thabo Mbeki's official residence at Mahlambandlovu on the Bryntirion Estate in Government Avenue Pretoria was burgled. Thieves made off with at least R30 000 worth of aluminium.

Last year, the home of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was also burgled as was the home of KZN MEC for Safety and Security Bheki Cele.

Sapa