'If I fail to fight crime in Gauteng, I'll throw the towel and resign' – Panyaza Lesufi
"I'm on the record to say, if there is one area that will make me to relinquish my responsibilities as a premier of the province; it's the issue of crime."
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi responding to concerns raised by Ga-Rankuwa community members at 702’s first election townhall on 13 March 2024. Picture: X/GautengANC
Clement Manyathela interviews Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng Premier.
Listen below.
Crime remains prevalent in Gauteng, encompassing murder, robbery, and assault.
Lesufi asserts that if he fails to tackle the escalating crime rate, which claims innocent lives daily, he will step down from his role as Premier of Gauteng.
He criticises the outdated policing methods in the province, attributing the criminals' success to this datedness.
Lesufi advocates for the adoption of modern technology, systems, and innovations to make combating crime more feasible.
The detrimental impact on the economy is evident, with businesses closing early and citizens rushing home for safety by 7pm, despite the economy's capacity for 24-hour operation.
Lesufi acknowledges the initial plan to bolster law enforcement with an additional 25 000 officers but laments legislative constraints hindering its implementation, emphasising the urgent need for enhanced policing measures.
"I'm on the record to say, if there is one area that will make me to relinquish my responsibilities as a premier of the province; it's the issue of crime."
- Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng Premier
"We need to invest in new ways of fighting crime."
- Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng Premier
Their strategy encompasses several key elements:
- Shifting towards a cashless society to mitigate a significant driver of crime in Gauteng
- Overhauling the car registration system to prevent the removal or alteration of number plates
- Embracing technological advancements
- Enhancing the registration system for firearms to deter illegal possession
By implementing these measures, Lesufi expresses confidence in their ability to make substantial progress in addressing crime in Gauteng.
"It's an emergency."
- Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng Premier
"A gun that is illegal was once legal."
- Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng Premier
"If I fail in this task to fight crime, I'll throw the towel; I'll resign."
- Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng Premier
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.