EFF calls Amapanyaza an unsustainable security measure

JOHANNESBURG - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) hit out at what it called a collapse in the public policing system, as high levels of crime continue.

This came after Police Minister Bheki Cele released the latest crime statistics for the third quarter of 2023.

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The figures showed a substantial increase in almost all categories of crime compared to the same reporting period the previous year.

Despite more boots on the ground, the EFF said it believed government lost the battle against crime, especially in Gauteng.

The EFF’s Naledi Chirwa-Mpungose said an increase in private security was concerning.

“The murder rate in the country is at its highest in over 20 years. The vicious criminals who commit horrendous crimes continue to find confidence in the system because they are guaranteed immunity and escape consequences, as our police force lacks capacity.”

Chirwa-Mpungose accuses Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi of using the province’s crime wardens as an electioneering ploy.

“It is concerning that amid the rise of such instability and the decaying capacity in the police force, Premier Panyaza Lesufi has inserted efforts in creating an unsustainable security measure with 'amaPanyaza' that are meant to combat crime without any training and legislative responsibility. All the while, our actual public policing system collapses on a daily basis.”