Latest news with #Lesufi-led
Eyewitness News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Gauteng DA accuses provincial govt of failing to prioritise residents' safety
JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused the Gauteng government of failing to prioritise the safety of residents in the province, citing that there are more than 100 unfilled vacancies for mechanics within the provincial police department. The party believes this has contributed to delays in the repair of South African Police Service (SAPS) vehicles, which often leads to a shortage of crime-fighting resources. DA's Shadow MEC of Gauteng Community Safety said this undermines crime prevention efforts. "This is unacceptable and shows that the Lesufi-led government is not prioritising the protection of the people of Gauteng or addressing unemployment. Many crimes could have been prevented if these positions had been filled, helping police combat crime by ensuring that vehicles are readily available for policing.' Meanwhile, in response to DA's questions, Premier Panyaza Lesufi wrote that the posts can only be filled by applicants who have the required skills and qualifications.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Saps vehicle repairs stall crime prevention in Gauteng, says DA
Lesufi confirmed that of the 372 mechanic positions across Saps garages in the province, only 262 are currently filled. A severe shortage of mechanics at Gauteng's South African Police Service (Saps) garages is hampering police visibility and crime prevention efforts across the province. According to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's written response to the questions posed in the Provincial Legislature, 110 mechanic posts remain unfilled at Saps vehicle workshops. DA Gauteng shadow MEC for community safety, Crezane Bosch, said that the unfilled posts result in long delays in repairing police vehicles. 'Vehicles often remain in garages without repairs for up to a year, leading to shortages of vehicles at our police stations. 262 positions filled Lesufi said the legislature confirmed that of the 372 mechanic positions across Saps garages in the province, only 262 are currently filled. Bosch said this situation could have been avoided if the vacancies were filled and the garages properly staffed. 'This is unacceptable and shows that the Lesufi-led government is not prioritising the protection of the people of Gauteng or addressing unemployment.' Bosch said the impact of the shortage is being felt on the ground, where police stations are left with few or no operational vehicles. 'The lack of vehicles directly undermines crime-fighting efforts and increases risks for our residents,' she said. ALSO READ: Teacher shortage deprives Gauteng pupils of these vital tech skills Call for urgent intervention Additionally, the DA member noted that families could have been fed if these vacant posts had been advertised, giving qualified individuals the opportunity to apply. 'There is no justification for leaving essential positions unfilled, especially when thousands of qualified individuals are unemployed and desperate for work,' Bosch said. The party says a DA-led provincial government would have prioritised filling the vacancies, improving operational capacity and creating job opportunities. 'This approach would not only strengthen law enforcement but also create valuable job opportunities for qualified mechanics,' she added. Bosch further criticised the Lesufi administration for failing at 'the most basic tasks' while touting high-tech initiatives like intelligent number plates. 'The people of Gauteng need functioning police vehicles before they can trust futuristic security plans,' she said. NOW READ: City of Johannesburg councillor allegedly used municipality's BMW X3 for political activities in KZN, says DA
