Nkosinathi Nkabinde
In a renewed effort to combat crime and enhance public safety, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has formalised a significant partnership with the Gauteng Province and the City of Johannesburg through a cooperation agreement.
The agreement was signed on Thursday, 10 October 2024, at Alexandra Stadium in Johannesburg, marking a milestone in the collaboration between national, provincial, and municipal authorities in the fight against crime.
The signing was officiated by the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, alongside key representatives from the Gauteng provincial government and the City of Johannesburg. This cooperation will reinforce the whole-of-government approach to tackling crime, aligning resources from all levels of government to ensure a coordinated and unified response.
Minister Mchunu, speaking at the event, emphasised the importance of the agreement in advancing community safety. “This agreement marks a critical milestone in our collective effort to enhance safety and security in our communities. Citizens have a right to safety, as outlined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, and this initiative is part of our commitment to ensure that right is protected.”
The renewed agreement will see law enforcement agencies within the City of Johannesburg pooling their resources to intensify efforts in reducing crime. By aligning the operations of SAPS, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), and other provincial authorities, the collaboration aims to ensure that all residents feel safe, secure, and free from the threats of criminal activity.
Minister Mchunu also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tracking down criminals: “We are going to hunt the criminals and arrest them. With resources now aligned across national, provincial, and municipal levels, this unified effort will enhance community safety and ensure criminals are brought to justice.”
The agreement has garnered support from both local and provincial leaders. Acting Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Councillor Jack Sekwaila, addressed growing concerns about crime in the city, particularly the dangers posed by drugs and the troubling trend of glorifying criminals. He urged community members to play their part by reporting illegal activities, assuring that reports can be made anonymously. Cllr Sekwaila reaffirmed the City of Johannesburg’s full commitment to the partnership, noting that it is crucial for fostering a safer environment for all residents.
MEC for Infrastructure Development in Gauteng, Jacob Mamabolo, also lauded the initiative, highlighting the importance of coordination across the three spheres of government. “Once these three spheres of government are coordinated, we will be able to fight crime within Gauteng. This agreement is critical in our effort to ensure that communities feel safe in our province,” said Mamabolo, commending the Minister of Police and other stakeholders for reaching this point of collaboration.
One of the key outcomes of the agreement is the implementation of a new policing model, which will divide the City of Johannesburg into six sub-districts. Each sub-district will be managed by a designated commander responsible for coordinating all law enforcement resources, including officers from SAPS, JMPD, and provincial law enforcement agencies. The aim is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of crime-fighting efforts by focusing on smaller, more manageable areas.
National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, who also signed the agreement, explained the rationale behind the new model: “Johannesburg is a large district, so dividing it into sub-districts allows for better management of resources. Each commander will have full control over all law enforcement agencies within their sub-district, ensuring a cohesive and integrated approach to combating crime.”
The signing was also supported by other key stakeholders, including representatives from Business Against Crime, religious institutions, community policing forums, and various civil society groups, all of whom pledged their commitment to this collective effort.
With the signing of this cooperation agreement, the fight against crime in Johannesburg enters a new chapter. Through this integrated approach, residents can expect increased coordination among law enforcement agencies, more effective crime-prevention strategies, and a stronger sense of safety and security. The agreement reflects the government’s dedication to safeguarding the constitutional rights of all citizens while fostering partnerships across sectors to build a safer South Africa.
SOURCED FROM THE JOBURG WEBSITE.
