Latest news with #MgciniTshwaku
The Citizen
09-08-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
No place to hide: JMPD employs smart tech to stop criminals
The new technology is set to transform law enforcement operations in the city of Johannesburg. Motorists who break the law will no longer have anywhere to hide. In a boost for traffic policing, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) nowhas new patrol cars equipped with cutting-edge automatic number plate recognition and electronic hand-held devices. New tech The new technology, which is set to transform law enforcement operations in the city of Joburg, was unveiled at the Grasmere toll plaza on Friday. The technology is capable of identifying stolen and unregistered vehicles. The Syntell Opus Mobile solution is a rugged, Android-based handheld device for law enforcement that reduces the time spent issuing notices to 2-3 minutes. 'The device lets officers capture accident reports (ARs) within five minutes and issue notices, even during load shedding or without network coverage,' it said. ♦️JMPD IN ACTION♦️ JMPD officers deploying advanced mobile devices to drive smart mini-roadblocks and targeted enforcement operations with minimal manpower. Fully integrated in real time with the Joint Information System and intelligence centres, ensuring every intervention is… August 8, 2025 ALSO READ: JMPD officers arrested for extortion and corruption Stopping criminals JMPD chief commissioner Patrick Jaca said they needed technology to stop criminals in their tracks. 'To stop criminals, stolen vehicles and so on, we needed some help.' MMC for public safety Dr Mgcini Tshwaku said the investment sends a strong message to criminals. 'Criminals and offenders will have nowhere to hide, whether behind the wheel of a stolen vehicle, using fraudulent documents or flouting our by-laws. Our enhanced enforcement capabilities ensure accountability and safety across Johannesburg.' ♦️IN PICTURES♦️ Showcasing the new handheld device in action, designed for uninterrupted performance during load-shedding or network outages via a secure local database. GPS tracking ensures officer safety and operational accountability, while remote-wipe functionality protects… — COJ People's MMC Public Safety (@PublicSafetyMMC) August 8, 2025 GPS tracking According to the JMPD, the system also links to NaTIS in real-time, flagging stolen, fraudulent or cloned vehicles and identifying expired or false licences. This technology, it said, replaces handwritten notices, which reduces the administrative workload, eliminates the cost of physical books and minimises officer errors. The devices are also equipped with GPS tracking for officer safety and productivity ♦️JMPD IN ACTION♦️ JMPD officers deploying advanced mobile devices to drive smart mini-roadblocks and targeted enforcement operations with minimal manpower. Fully integrated in real time with the Joint Information System and intelligence centres, ensuring every intervention is… — Chief Of Police for JMPD : Patrick Jaca (@Jaca_Patrick) August 8, 2025 New vehicle fleet The JMPD also exhibited its new fleet of vehicles. Tshwaku said the new fleet of 213 vehicles will improve the JMPD's capacity to respond to crime. 'The new vehicle fleet is intended to improve service delivery and public safety. The vehicles will be used for rapid response to crime scenes, visible patrols and enforcing traffic laws. 'This initiative aims to increase officer safety, replace older vehicles and may include advanced technology for better fleet management and efficiency,' Tshwaku said. The JMPS said the initiative marks a significant step towards a smarter, more efficient and safer Joburg. ALSO READ: Gauteng to unveil new 'cutting-edge technological' number plate system
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- The Citizen
Drastic measures to restore law and order in Midrand
According to Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, the MMC for Public Safety, recent actions taken in Midrand, including the busting of a drug den, the closure of non-compliant salons, and the impounding of over 33 unroadworthy vehicles, marks the beginning of a more extensive crackdown on illegal activities in the area. 'We know that most of the shops [in Midrand] are not complying with the by-laws. Some [police] collect [bribes] from those shops. So, we got a tipoff on that, even with the drugs as well. So, we got crystal meth, illegal alcohol, and cigarettes, and we also got [illegal] exchange of money. 'There is more. This is just the tip of the iceberg. We don't really want to stop people's business. What we say to people [is that] they must comply with the by-laws. Some of the people do not even understand what a by-law is.' Read more: Public Safety MMC begins crusade to tackle Midrands drug problem This initiative follows the City of Johannesburg's Department of Public Safety hosting the #NomakanjaniManjeNamhlanje crime prevention and by-law enforcement operation in Midrand on July 8. This operation, led by Tshwaku, included search and seizure raids, the reclamation of hijacked properties, inspections for compliance in spaza shops, and actions against illegal dumping. The operation began at the Midrand Fire Station, where Tshwaku addressed officers about their mission, emphasising the critical importance of discipline, visibility, and a zero-tolerance approach to lawlessness. Tshwaku commended the multidisciplinary teams for their unwavering commitment to service delivery and community protection. Following the briefing, he took decisive action in Midrand, leading a rigorous enforcement effort against shops and salons that were operating illegally. Each establishment was inspected thoroughly to ensure compliance with municipal by-laws, health standards, and safety regulations. Tshwaku confronted illegal operators, demanding proof of compliance, health certifications, and valid licenses. Those unable to meet the legal requirements faced immediate shutdowns. Tshwaku also orchestrated the bust of a drug den in Midrand, relying on intelligence and strategic diversion tactics, which resulted in the seizure of illegal substances and the detention of suspects. Alongside this, he impounded over 33 unroadworthy vehicles, which have been secured at the fire station. Drivers were called to account for their vehicles and will face the necessary legal and administrative consequences. 'All those who are involved in stalling cases, who are receiving bribes, must be fired or must be arrested,' said Tshwaku. 'The cases are not moving at all. So, we need to investigate when someone was arrested, who the investigator was, and where the docket is. Where on earth have you heard that a docket just went missing? This is why you do not digitalise, everything is manual.' As the #NomakanjaniManjeNamhlanje operation intensifies in Midrand, another drug dealer, disguised as a street vendor, was busted on July 9, found in possession of dagga and an unlawful firearm. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- The Citizen
Public Safety MMC leads by-law enforcement operation in Midrand
The Public Safety MMC, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, led a land invasion and by-law enforcement clean-up operation in Midrand on June 20. He visited food trailer owners on Lever Road and illegal recyclers on R101 Old Pretoria Road in Midrand, where some cooking items, such as pots and gas-stoves, were confiscated. Tshwaku was accompanied by various departments, including the Johannesburg Metro Police Department's by-law enforcement unit, land invasion unit, citizen relationship and urban management (CRUM), and immigration unit. Read more: JMPD removes street dancers on Allandale and Pretorius roads Noordwyk Residents Association chairperson Bonginkosi Nhlapo, who was also part of the operation, praised Tshwaku's efforts. 'Just wish there were more arrests of illegal immigrants, and the shutdown of all the street vendors, moving trucks, and food trailers. Maybe, if he was mayor under the current coalition, Johannesburg would have a fighting chance to be cleaned up.' Nhlapo said more raids of this nature would help improve Midrand, and help it to go back to the suburb it used to be. JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla confirmed being part of the raid. 'Ours was to accompany the MMC and ensure that our various units enforce by-laws directly related to them.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Star
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Johannesburg officials raid dilapidated buildings in crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals and safety violations
Acting Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Kenny Kunene, accompanied by Councillor Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, spearheaded raids on numerous dilapidated buildings in the city's Central Business District (CBD). In efforts to restore law and order in Johannesburg's Central Business District (CBD), Acting Executive Mayor Kenny Kunene and Councillor Dr Mgcini Tshwaku led a series of raids on dilapidated buildings on Tuesday. The operation, which predominantly focused on the targeting of undocumented foreign nationals, aimed to address safety concerns stemming from the unlawful occupation of properties and illegal connections. It is explained that the operation, spearheaded by the Department of Public Safety, also sought to enhance resident safety and was prompted by reports of unsafe living conditions. Law enforcement officials conducted thorough searches of properties suspected of violating municipal bylaws. Their efforts included targeting the notorious building located at 242 Marshall Street, where it was discovered that unsafe shacks were erected within the premises. It is revealed that the structure, which failed to comply with the Fire Brigade Act, lacked essential safety features such as escape routes, fire extinguishers, and appropriate signage, posing a significant fire hazard to its occupants. 'This demonstrates the city's commitment to addressing public safety concerns and ensuring resident well-being,' remarked Tshwaku. He further noted that the operation reflects a zero-tolerance stance towards overcrowding and illegal occupancy within the city. The law enforcement team faced challenging conditions as they shut down illegal electricity and water connections throughout the area. In a significant show of force, City Power officials cut the electricity supply to the property, marking an end to tampered infrastructure that has long plagued the community. Throughout the course of the operation, it is further revealed that more than 40 undocumented foreigners were apprehended and are currently undergoing processing by Home Affairs. Among the detainees, a minor suffering injuries was taken by the Emergency Medical Services for urgent medical attention, underscoring the precarious living conditions many had endured. Taking to social media, Tshwaku described the operation at 242 Marshalltown as 'under siege', stating, 'Inside, by-law officers are dismantling unsafe living spaces, removing unlawful structures, and confronting health and safety violations head-on. This is a zero-tolerance operation targeting everything from overcrowding to illegal occupancy. 242 is no longer a lawless zone. The darkness has fallen, and with it, the grip of non-compliance.' [email protected] Saurday Star
IOL News
02-07-2025
- IOL News
Johannesburg officials raid dilapidated buildings in crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals and safety violations
Acting Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Kenny Kunene, accompanied by Councillor Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, spearheaded raids on numerous dilapidated buildings in the city's Central Business District (CBD). Acting Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Kenny Kunene, accompanied by Councillor Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, spearheaded raids on numerous dilapidated buildings in the city's Central Business District (CBD). In efforts to restore law and order in Johannesburg's Central Business District (CBD), Acting Executive Mayor Kenny Kunene and Councillor Dr Mgcini Tshwaku led a series of raids on dilapidated buildings on Tuesday. The operation, which predominantly focused on the targeting of undocumented foreign nationals, aimed to address safety concerns stemming from the unlawful occupation of properties and illegal connections. It is explained that the operation, spearheaded by the Department of Public Safety, also sought to enhance resident safety and was prompted by reports of unsafe living conditions. Law enforcement officials conducted thorough searches of properties suspected of violating municipal bylaws. Their efforts included targeting the notorious building located at 242 Marshall Street, where it was discovered that unsafe shacks were erected within the premises. It is revealed that the structure, which failed to comply with the Fire Brigade Act, lacked essential safety features such as escape routes, fire extinguishers, and appropriate signage, posing a significant fire hazard to its occupants. 'This demonstrates the city's commitment to addressing public safety concerns and ensuring resident well-being,' remarked Tshwaku. He further noted that the operation reflects a zero-tolerance stance towards overcrowding and illegal occupancy within the city. The law enforcement team faced challenging conditions as they shut down illegal electricity and water connections throughout the area. In a significant show of force, City Power officials cut the electricity supply to the property, marking an end to tampered infrastructure that has long plagued the community. Throughout the course of the operation, it is further revealed that more than 40 undocumented foreigners were apprehended and are currently undergoing processing by Home Affairs. Among the detainees, a minor suffering injuries was taken by the Emergency Medical Services for urgent medical attention, underscoring the precarious living conditions many had endured. Taking to social media, Tshwaku described the operation at 242 Marshalltown as 'under siege', stating, 'Inside, by-law officers are dismantling unsafe living spaces, removing unlawful structures, and confronting health and safety violations head-on. This is a zero-tolerance operation targeting everything from overcrowding to illegal occupancy. 242 is no longer a lawless zone. The darkness has fallen, and with it, the grip of non-compliance.' [email protected] Saurday Star
