DA Urges Action Against Rising Crime

Gauteng residents are living in constant fear, and the Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned that the Gauteng Department of Community Safety and Security is falling short in ensuring their safety.

The DA is far from satisfied with the crime plans put forth by the provincial government. While the department has outlined plans, they seem to lack effective implementation. Crezane Bosch, the DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Community Safety, lamented the absence of promised state-of-the-art technology.

The department’s annual report for the 2022/23 financial year highlights the following priority interventions:

1. Appointment of Crime Prevention Wardens to combat crime, corruption, vandalism, and lawlessness.
2. Establishment of the Provincial Integrated Command Centre.
3. Creation of an e-Security Network.
4. Formation of a 24/7 anti-land invasion task team to combat lawlessness.
5. Continuous monitoring and policing of Gauteng round the clock.

However, these measures have not led to a reduction in overall crime rates in Gauteng, raising doubts about their effectiveness.

Bosch stressed that the DA has long emphasized that for high-tech crime prevention methods to succeed, the department must first address fundamental issues.

She proposes that the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, MEC Faith Mazibuko, and Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi reevaluate their existing strategies and collaborate with various stakeholders in crime prevention. This, she believes, will yield a more effective strategy to combat the rising crime rates in the province.

The DA remains committed to safeguarding Gauteng residents and will continue to engage with Premier Lesufi and MEC Mazibuko to establish practical measures to address the crime situation in the province.