‘We are under siege’ – Premier

He said the country is using outdated law enforcement mechanisms in a new era that needs new forms of law enforcement."

July 9, 2023

Fanie Mthupha 2 minutes read

Premier of Gauteng Panyaza Lesufi and City of Ekurhuleni mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana speak to the media on the scene on July 6.

Gauteng Province Premier Panyaza Lesufi was speaking to journalists at the scene of the deadly gas leak in Angelo informal settlement in Boksburg on June 6.

At least 17 people, including a one-year-old, died from gas inhalation. More than 16 were hospitalized following a leak of poisonous gas that occurred at around 18:00 that day, near Limpopo tavern in a section called Extension F.

The premier and Ekurhuleni mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana arrived at the scene on Wednesday night, and they returned to the site on Thursday morning, before they visited those that are still in hospital.

Lesufi described the Angelo scene as heartbreaking, and the bodies scattered all over the streets left him severely traumatised.

“It was just heartbreaking to see what happened, and we as government extend our sincere condolences to the affected families.”

At least 17 people, including three children, died and more than 16 were hospitalized when toxic gas leaked from this cylinder, which linked to illegal mining activities in the community.

Lesufi said Zama Zamas are keeping the country under siege, particularly in Gauteng.

“We are under siege, and I have presented this to those who are leading our law enforcement agencies.

“We are using outdated law enforcement mechanisms in a new area that needs new forms of law enforcement. I know people are saying ‘bring the army’. The process of bringing the army is a long process.

“We have to overhaul our law enforcement response. This thing of illegal mining is completely out of control.

“I understand and share your frustrations. I’m of the view that we just need a specialized way of training our law enforcement.

“The SAPS is trying. Yesterday they briefed us on how they themselves come under attack at the hands of the illegal miners’ strong firepower, and they feel that the resources that they have are not appropriately coordinated, or the support systems are not at the level that they can confront these types of crimes.

“As a province with the support of the national government, if we can’t confront crime, lawlessness and corruption head-on and have adequate resources, we are not going to win.

“We have put aside R4b as a province just to fight crime, but it’s not enough. We wanted to increase it to R8b but we couldn’t do that because there are laws and limitations to things that the different spheres of government can do. But if we don’t have a coordinated approach to confront this lawlessness, we can’t win.

“We are dealing with this crime situation literally every day, where you find that there are areas that we can’t go to, there are ‘no go areas’.”

“I am calling for a completely new strategy in confronting this thing. A strategy that is well-resourced and the capability of our law enforcement that are at a higher level, and the need to respond in a manner that is as if we are in a war zone.”

Also Read: Deadly Boksburg toxic gas leak – in pictures