Johannesburg: Law enforcement in Gauteng has arrested at least 150 suspects identified as alleged ‘major contributors’ to crime in the province. This update comes from Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who briefed the media on Thursday regarding progress on key provincial programmes.
According to South African Government News Agency, Premier Lesufi highlighted that crime remains a top priority, following his earlier State of the Province Address. He had previously identified 450 individuals as major crime perpetrators. In recent operations, two key figures involved in cash-in-transit crimes were apprehended and fatally wounded. The efforts have led to the arrest of over 150 identified criminals, contributing to a decrease in kidnappings and cash-in-transit heists. However, cases of gender-based violence and femicide remain a concern.
To enhance law enforcement collaboration, Gauteng’s municipal agencies, police, and private security have signed an agreement to operate beyond municipal boundaries. Recent operations in the Vaal and upcoming initiatives in Ekurhuleni are part of this collaborative effort. The long-term strategy includes targeted operations in the Johannesburg CBD.
On the infrastructure front, Lesufi revealed a partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to address the province’s road conditions. The CSIR report indicates that only 35% of Gauteng’s 5400km road network is in good condition. The provincial government has allocated R1.5 billion for immediate road repairs and maintenance and plans to take over coordination of road maintenance by the end of 2025 for improved service delivery.
Efforts to improve streetlight maintenance have led to an agreement with the Johannesburg Municipality, with negotiations underway with Tshwane Municipality. Clearing the backlog of traffic signal repairs across the province is estimated to require R350 million.
The Presidential Johannesburg Working Group (PJWG) is actively addressing city challenges, having reclaimed 12 illegally occupied buildings through legal interventions. These initiatives are part of the province’s broader strategy to enhance safety and infrastructure for its residents.