Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi unveiled at least 28 CCTV surveillance cameras in Soshanguve township on Thursday as part of the province’s crime-fighting initiatives to ensure safety and security for residents. 

During an event at Giant Stadium in Soshanguve, he led integrated service delivery operations, providing on-site services, conducting awareness campaigns, and engaging directly with the community. 

He highlighted the importance of integrating law enforcement units to combat crime effectively, saying that the collaborative approach aims to target and apprehend criminals terrorising communities.

The integration involves metro police departments in Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni, as well as the Gauteng crime wardens. 

On Thursday, the integrated operation in the township arrested approximately 1,200 individuals for various crimes, including 75 undocumented foreign nationals. 

Lesufi stressed that joint operations are crucial in effectively combating crime, assuring residents that additional police resources would be deployed, including vehicles, helicopters, horses, and scooters, to ensure that criminals have nowhere to hide in the township.

“We unveiled almost 28 CCTV cameras in every corner to make sure that we see criminals before they commit a crime and arrest them.” 

He said the cameras will also capture vehicle plate numbers, aiding in the prevention of motor vehicle theft.

Lesufi recently launched a new high-tech number plate system designed to combat crime and improve road safety in Gauteng. 

The system features advanced digital tracking, anti-counterfeit measures, and tamper-evident security decals to prevent vehicle theft and cloned plates. 

“We have cameras that would help women against crime. There is no one who is going to rob you of your cellphone or handbag while you are on your way to work,” Lesufi said.

He also requested the SAPS provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni, to prioritise the arrest of a suspected serial killer in Tshwane, accused of murdering five women lured through social media with false promises of employment. 

“We can’t allow serial killers in our province, provincial commissioner. Together with your law-enforcement agencies, let’s ensure that all people doing wrong things in our areas are arrested,” he said.

Lesufi issued a stern warning to undocumented foreign nationals, saying: “If you are a foreign national, you must get your documents, and if you don’t have documents, leave.”

Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya has condemned the criminal acts of the alleged serial killer, emphasising the need for swift action from law enforcement to address such crimes.

She said it is important for different spheres of government to unite in upholding law and order, working together to do what is right for the country.

“We keep saying to residents that we are going to clean this city and we are going to flush out criminality in this city,” she said.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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