By Doreen Mokgolo
The premier of Gauteng Panyaza Lesufi declared war on crime during his State of the Province address at Nasrec on Monday night.
“The war against crime knows no boundaries. It is real and uncompromising. Whether the criminal world likes it or not, a safer Gauteng will rise,” he said.
He said the sixth administration has framed its response to crime with what he called a comprehensive integrated crime prevention plan anchored on improved access to police service and improved partnership policing.
“We are also focusing on reducing identified priority crimes,” he said.
He said there would be an emphasis on the implementation of e-policing, increasing human resource capacity and professionalism of law enforcement, deployment of intelligence capacity, improved support and strengthening the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
In the last 12 months, the provincial government has supplied 250 high-powered cars to SAPS to enhance crime fighting in the communities.
They have also supplied 12 mobile police stations to allow people in areas without police stations to report crimes.
Turning to illegal mining, Lesufi said they are targeting the zama zamas.
He said 439 illegal miners have been arrested in various places on the Witwatersrand including the troubled areas of Dobsonville, Kagiso, Krugersdorp, Primrose and Springs through a joined campaign with the members of the SANDF, SAPS, Police Wardens and private security.
The number of crime prevention wardens is set to be increased to over 12,000 people. The wardens are currently trained by the SANDF and receiving instruction in fire-arm competence, drone piloting, crowd control, advanced driving, anti-land invasion and infrastructure vandalism.
The premier has also introduced helicopters and drones to help fight illegal mining, be dispatched to crime hotspots and foil cash in transit heists.
Lesufi said the provincial government will step in where service delivery in municipalities has declined.
“We will appoint agents to resolve the road, water and sanitation challenges,” he said.
In his fight against the energy crisis in the province, Lesufi will add 100 megawatts of electricity to the grid to mitigate the impact of load shedding.
“We will continue to expand to 300 megawatts in the new financial year,” he said.
“This investment combined with smart meters will generate the megawatts needed to cushion the residents against two stages of load shedding.”
Pictured above: Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi.
Image source: Supplied
