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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng welcomes the fact that Premier Panyaza Lesufi took the time to address the community of Eldorado Park regarding their concerns about safety in the community. However, these are many empty promises that will never materialise as the current government has failed to address increasing crime in the province.

The DA wrote letters to the Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko, and the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele regarding the escalating crime in the area and our concerns fell on deaf ears.

During his engagement with the community, Premier Lesufi made a slew of promises. He promised the community that they will get helicopters and drones to ramp up efforts to increase police visibility and clamp down on crime.

However, it is still unclear where the money for these new crime-fighting initiatives will come from. Furthermore, there was no indication of whether the South African Police Service (SAPS) have the necessary skills in their workforce to enforce this new strategy.

The only way in which we can address the rampant crime in the area is by getting basic right. The DA, therefore, demands that Premier Lesufi along with MEC Mazibuko do the following:
• Cut the red tape and provide support to the police stations, Community Police Forum (CPF) and neighbourhood watches
• The reservist programme needs to be restarted as a matter of urgency
• Outline exactly where the money for helicopters and drone pilots will come from
• Ensure that all police stations have sufficient vehicles and adequate personnel

The promises that were made to the community this week look good on paper and look like they will address the crime situation but does nothing in the interim to prevent people from being killed.

Crime is increasing across the province, and instead of sounding clever in the heat of the moment, an advisory committee consisting of experts as stipulated in the DA's Community Safety Oversight bill should be implemented.

Issued by Crezane Bosch MPL - DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Community Safety