Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and stakeholders signed a cooperation agreement to intensify efforts to combat crime in various municipalities across Gauteng.
The agreement was signed by the chief director of the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service, Lucky Ramaru, SAPS National Commissioner Fannie Masemola, Gauteng Department of Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuko, and the City of Johannesburg manager Floyd Brink.
Read more: Police leaders call for unity against crime in Alex, Bramley, and Sandringham
The signing ceremony was held at the Sankopano Community Centre immediately followed by a public gathering at the Alexandra Stadium on October 10. Mchunu said the agreement was aimed at enhancing collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders to address safety and security concerns affecting the residents of Johannesburg and other municipalities.
“We signed the cooperation agreement to form one basket, which throws all resources in to intensify joint operations to combat crime in Johannesburg more co-operatively,” Mchunu said.
He emphasised the necessity to align personnel from all three spheres of government – national, provincial, and local – to focus solely on tackling criminal activities.
Mchunu reassured the public that resources dedicated to crime fighting, including police vehicles, would no longer be used for non-essential duties. “These vehicles are going to be dedicated to fighting criminals.”
Also read: Police hunt for escapee Mduduzi Mgaga after court escape in Wynberg
The minister highlighted the support from various sectors, including Businesses Against Crime and private security companies. “We are all going to channel our energies and resources against criminals in Johannesburg.
“Those complaining and grieving about the lack of visibility of the police… That’s going to change and those perceptions will be a thing of the past.”
He urged residents to participate in the crime-fighting efforts. “We want residents to be active. Whether you are armed or not, we all must come out of our houses to flush out these criminals. They are known by name, and we are going to start looking for them one by one. Criminals be warned we are coming for you,” added the minister, declaring siphezukwabo manje [we’re on top of them now].
Masemola said, “Gone are the days when you will be told there is a SAPS or JMPD roadblock but when you get there, you find only one person is manning it.
“We are now going to have law enforcement agencies including the private security jointly working together in small manageable areas, called sub-districts because Johannesburg is a big district so it will be sub-divided into six districts.”
He explained each sub-district would have commanders in charge of law enforcement agencies. “As we sign this agreement, we commit ourselves to hold each commander accountable for a small area. And from now on, we will work as an integrated government law enforcement agency.”
Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.
Related article: Alex police go back to foot patrols
