Law enforcement in Gauteng has arrested at least 150 suspects identified as alleged “major contributors” to crime in the province.
This according to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi who briefed the media on Thursday.
Earlier this year in his State of the Province Address, Lesufi identified crime as an apex priority to resolve with some 450 individuals identified as perpetrators.
“[Our] commitment to tracking and apprehending those responsible for major crimes has yielded significant results. Recently, two key kingpins involved in cash in transit crimes in Gauteng were arrested and fatally wounded during police operations.
“To date, we have apprehended over 150 of the nearly 450 criminals identified as major contributors to crime in the province. The number of kidnappings, cash is transit heists has decreased. Sadly, reported cases of gender-based violence and femicide are not decreasing as we expect them to,” he said.
Gauteng municipal law enforcement agencies, police and private security have signed an agreement which will see these agencies work together beyond municipal boundaries.
“We now work together. We had a major operation in the Vaal last month. Next month, we are going to Ekurhuleni where we will exercise the joint operation…and try to identify those that are responsible for criminal activity and creating chaos in our province. The long-term plan is to invade the Johannesburg CBD,” he said.
Road Maintenance and Infrastructure
Lesufi revealed that in an effort to deal with potholes in the province, the provincial government has partnered with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to map potholes in the province.
“According to the latest report from CSIR, our province has 5400km of road infrastructure, comprising 5000km of tarred roads and 1800km of gravel roads. Currently, only 35% of this network is in good condition,” he said.
The Premier added that some R1.5 billion has been allocated for immediate road repairs and maintenance.
“Additionally, by the end of 2025, we will take over the coordination of road maintenance programs currently managed by provinces and municipalities to ensure more efficient service delivery.
“We wish to apologise to all motorists who are subjected to driving in roads that are full of potholes, we do have a plan and the budget to address this challenge,” he said.
Local municipalities will now also handle the maintenance of provincial streetlights to “expedite repairs”.
“We have already finalised an agency agreement with the Johannesburg Municipality, and negotiations with Tshwane Municipality are at an advanced stage.
“Furthermore, an estimated R350 million is required to clear the backlog of traffic signal repairs across the province,” he said.
The Presidential Johannesburg Working Group (PJWG) – aimed at resolving the challenges facing the city – is also at work.
“The [PJWG]…has resumed its work. So far, we have successfully reclaimed 12 illegally occupied buildings through court interventions,” Lesufi said. – SAnews.gov.za
