JOHANNESBURG — In a determined effort to combat criminality across Gauteng, Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced a significant increase in funding for law enforcement during the State of the Province Address on Monday. The Department of Community Safety’s budget will see a substantial rise from over R750 million to R2.7 billion within a year, with further increases planned over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework.
According to South African Government News Agency, this financial commitment underscores the government’s resolve to ensure that no part of Gauteng, including townships, informal settlements, central business districts (CBDs), or hostels, will go without policing. The Premier’s strategy involves a comprehensive, integrated crime prevention plan that aims to enhance policing services, foster community partnerships, reduce priority crimes, implement E-policing, bolster the ranks and professionalism of law enforcement, deploy intelligence assets, and reinforce the fight against gender-based violence.
Lesufi cited the success of the weekly Okae Molao and Shanela operations, which have led to thousands of arrests, as evidence of the government’s progress in its war on crime. He highlighted the crackdown on illegal miners, known as Zama Zamas, noting a significant decline in illegal mining activities following a decisive response from the national government. From April to December 2023, law enforcement arrested 439 individuals for illicit mining activities and took strong action against crime syndicates involved in bank robberies, drug and child trafficking, and cash-in-transit heists.
The Premier also detailed the operational achievements of law enforcement, including conducting 79,749 joint operations that resulted in 9,244 arrests and the recovery of 1,532 stolen or hijacked vehicles. In an effort to enhance surveillance, Lesufi announced that 7,000 CCTV cameras are now operational across various locations, with Small Street in Johannesburg identified as a priority area for 24-hour monitoring and law enforcement presence.
Further initiatives unveiled include the introduction of an e-Panic button for residents facing crime or medical emergencies, the piloting of new number plates with a track and trace system, the acquisition of two helicopters and drones to establish the Gauteng Air Wing unit, and the creation of the Provincial Integrated Command Centre to monitor high-crime areas. Additionally, the province plans to increase the number of Crime Prevention Wardens from 7,000 to over 12,000.
Premier Lesufi’s address conveyed a strong message of action against crime in Gauteng, promising a safer future for the province’s residents through comprehensive and relentless law enforcement efforts.