New agreement between Gauteng, SAPS to fight crime in province
The Gauteng provincial government and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on Thursday signed an agreement aimed at curbing crime in the province.
The agreement was signed days after Bandile Masuku, chair of the provincial legislature’s community safety committee, called on the government to deploy additional resources to support police in combatting crime.
Gauteng, along with KwaZulu-Natal, are the two provinces with the highest murder rate in the country.
The province also experienced an increase in the number of reported cases of rape, an additional 79 attempted sexual offences committed, 2,072 more reported cases of robbery in residential areas and 42 more cases of truck jackings.
Masuku believes the agreement is a significant move to ensure the safety and security of residents in Gauteng.
"The committee has always emphasised the need to foster greater cooperation and resource sharing amongst the three spheres of government as a means to create safer communities across the province,” he said.
"While the committee welcomes this initiative, it remains concerned about the continued delays in the launch of the much anticipated Integrated Command Centre in the province, aimed at intensifying the fight against crime in Gauteng.
“Despite its potential to significantly improve safety and security, the project has faced multiple setbacks resulting in prolonged delays that continue to put communities at much greater risks of falling victims of crime.”
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