Latest news with #PanyazaLusufi
The Citizen
14-07-2025
- The Citizen
Provincial crackdown in Mogale sees dozens nabbed, huge fines paid
The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) in collaboration with the South African Police Service, Municipal Police Departments and local as well as district municipalities held a Provincial Integrated Service Delivery Operations in Krugersdorp last week. According to GPG communications officer Charmaine Kgopa, the programme forms part of the provincial government's broader strategy to enhance service delivery efforts and create safer communities through strengthened multi-agency collaborations to address crime across jurisdictions, enhance police visibility, promote information sharing between law enforcement agencies and showcase technological tools used in crime prevention. • Read the initial article here: Major law enforcement blitz hits Krugersdorp Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lusufi and Member of the Executive Committee for Infrastructure Development and Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Jacob Mamabolo were also on the ground in what they described as an ongoing effort to address crime through community engagements. The other participating law enforcement stakeholders included the Department of Community Safety, Gauteng Emergency Services, Johannesburg Metro Police Department, Tshwane Metro Police Department, Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department, Gauteng Traffic Wardens and community patrollers. Kgopa said Mamabolo encouraged more transparency and collaboration among government departments and prioritised the development and improvement of infrastructure in the province. Ultimately, the programme had an impact as law enforcement made many arrests and confiscations during the visibility blitz. 'As part of crime prevention efforts in Kagiso, Premier Lesufi announced the installation of 14 CCTV cameras to help track and apprehend criminals, an initiative expected to be expanded across Mogale City. He emphasised that law enforcement agencies must not negotiate with criminals but instead use every available resource to fight crime decisively,' he said. Regarding statistics, over 6 000 individuals and 2 957 vehicles were searched at roadblocks across the city. Traffic fines totalling more than R692 000 were paid on-site. Goods valued at approximately R123 000 were also confiscated during searches, and more than 135 individuals were arrested for various offences, including armed robbery, gender-based violence, and theft. 'But the impact of the operation extended beyond crime prevention. It also aimed to accelerate service delivery across town, and these developments highlight how integrated, multi-sectoral government action can drive real, measurable improvements in the daily lives of communities.' Addressing officials, Mogale City Executive Mayor Lucky Sele urged law enforcement to lead with integrity and compassion. 'Let the people feel your presence, not just see your uniforms. Let today demonstrate that government can be agile, efficient, and community-driven. Let it serve as a template for how developmental government must function. Through initiatives like this, Gauteng has set a new benchmarking standard for other provinces, showcasing how integrated, people-centred governance can prioritise safety and service delivery while delivering real, measurable impact at the community level,' Sele said. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
30-04-2025
- The Citizen
Does CCTV help fight crime in Johannesburg?
The Safer Spaces website states that the use of CCTV cameras for crime prevention in South Africa's major cities began in the mid 1990s, primarily driven by Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA). There was optimism about the significant crime reductions and increased arrests, facilitated by agreements for metro police to collaborate with the South African Police Services (SAPS) in responding to incidents detected by CCTV. Over the years, city authorities have taken a more active role in introducing, managing, and upgrading CCTV systems for crime prevention. However, these efforts have often been unilateral, leading to varying levels of CCTV coverage and capabilities across South African cities. Also read: JMPD launches Joburg CCTV Response Unit CCTV cameras are integral to the Gauteng Provincial Government's strategy to combat crime, being installed in townships, business districts, high-crime areas, roads, schools, and other public spaces. Last year, in partnership with Vuma Cam, a project saw the enhancement of these initiatives, adding 6 000 additional cameras to monitor the streets. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lusufi hailed this partnership as a significant milestone, emphasising the need to combat crime, which he views as a barrier to investment in the province. He expressed his frustration with crime and the urgency of protecting residents. The technology-driven crime-fighting campaign is a collaboration between the Department of e-Government, Community Safety, and the police, aimed at enhancing existing initiatives through CCTV, drones, panic buttons, and vehicle tracking devices. Also read: Rosewalk Gardens' fire safety measure leak fixed by JW MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and e-Government Mzi Khumalo noted that this partnership exemplifies the collaboration between the public and private sectors to build safer communities. Vuma Cam has committed to expanding camera coverage in underserved areas, especially in townships and informal settlements. Vuma Cam CEO Ricky Croock stated that the agreement includes an additional 5 000 partner cameras across South Africa, which will trigger alerts for known criminal vehicles detected in Gauteng. He believes that their extensive network, and advanced software, will establish a new standard in the fight against crime. Read more: Safe and affordable ways to travel in Johannesburg without a car Acting provincial commissioner of police in Gauteng Major General Tommy Mthombeni remarked that this initiative brings them closer to e-policing, and stressed the importance of maintaining the infrastructure. He highlighted the involvement of communities as crucial to ensuring the safety of the cameras. 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!
