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Gauteng Unites Against Crime: Premier Lesufi Leads Historic Safety Agreement Signing
By Prudence Motsila
15 April 2025
Tuesday, 15 April 2025, marked a pivotal moment in Gauteng's ongoing battle against crime. Premier Panyaza Lesufi led the signing of the Gauteng Safety Agreement, a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Integrated Cross-Boundary Law Enforcement Operations. The ceremony, held at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Stadium, brought together leaders from across the province in a powerful show of unity and purpose.
This groundbreaking agreement is set to transform crime prevention and law enforcement efforts in Gauteng. By enhancing coordination between provincial and municipal agencies, the MOU enables joint operations that transcend traditional municipal boundaries—ensuring a faster, more cohesive response to crime, vandalism, and lawlessness.
The partnership brings together the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG), South African Police Service (SAPS), Municipal Police Departments, and both District and Local Municipalities. Building on existing cooperative frameworks with Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni, the new agreement expands the mandate of municipal officers, empowering them to operate across jurisdictions for maximum impact.
Joint law enforcement operations have already commenced, with SAPS officers, Metro Police, Municipal Law Enforcement, Gauteng Crime Wardens, and other partners working side by side to restore order. These coordinated efforts aim to uphold the rule of law, combat criminal activity, and reclaim public spaces across the province.
Welcoming guests at the event, Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Dada Morero, stressed the importance of unified action:
"Our province and cities are vital urban centres of economic growth. To restore public confidence, we must work hand-in-hand with our communities," said Mayor Morero.
In his keynote address, Premier Lesufi emphasized that this is only the beginning.
"By working together across all spheres of government, we are building a safer, more secure Gauteng. We are targeting crime hotspots, illegal trading, cable theft, drugs, and undocumented individuals. A safer Gauteng starts with coordinated action," he said.
Premier Lesufi also reiterated the province's unwavering commitment to tackling Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
"We are declaring our intent to liberate communities that have become havens for criminals. Resources will be consolidated and deployed to affected areas, including Soshanguve and Olievenhoutbosch," he added.
The signing ceremony concluded with a powerful visual symbol of the province's united front: a joint law enforcement motorcade, comprising SAPS, Provincial, Municipal, District, and Local Police vehicles, rolled through the streets of Johannesburg—demonstrating the strength of the province's integrated approach to policing.
With this bold step forward, Gauteng sends a clear message: crime will not be tolerated, and unity is the strongest weapon in building a safer province for all.