​Lerato Mailoane
In an effort to combat crime in Gauteng, Premier Panyaza Lesufi has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the South African Police Service, the Traffic Police, and all municipalities within the province to enhance municipal policing powers and improve coordination in the fight against crime.
Premier Lesufi introduced a comprehensive crime-fighting strategy as part of the campaign "One province. One Plan. One Mission."
The agreement establishes eight dedicated works to provide intelligence-led operations, e-policing, legal and training frameworks, GBVF interventions, monitoring and evaluation, and coordination of resources and infrastructure.
Joint law enforcement operations will be conducted in key hotspots, with active participation from SAPS, Metro Police Departments, municipal enforcement units, CPFs, and the Gauteng Crime Wardens.
Premier Lesufi highlighted that this approach demonstrates cooperative governance: unifying efforts across the province to create a safer environment for everyone who lives and works there.
He noted that crime hinders economic growth and affects the province's investment potential.
"If we can't get crime right, we'll never get our economy right. If we can't get crime right, we'll get our province's economy right. If we can't get crime right, we'll never attract investments in our province, and tourism will suffer." 
Lesufi implored the province's enforcement agencies to work together as the MoU paves the way for an integrated, province-wide approach to crime prevention, traffic law enforcement, and public safety management. 
Ahead of the signing, the province held roadblocks in various parts of Soweto, such as the Golden Highway and Chris Hani Baragwanath Road, which provided a practical demonstration of the MoU in effect. 
Lesufi further praised the signing as a powerful moment of unity and decisive leadership, stating that Gauteng law enforcement agencies were no longer operating in silos.
"These operations signal a coordinated and visible commitment to reclaiming public spaces and protecting residents. 
"Today, we are united under one vision and one plan to protect the people of our province. I thank all the municipalities who signed this MoU for abandoning unnecessary bureaucracy and ensuring our residents' safety."
Addressing the media, Lieutenant General Tommy also stressed the importance of partnerships between law enforcement agencies to intensify the fight against crime while ensuring community involvement.
This forms part of ensuring that the Gauteng Safety Agreement yields positive results.
"We are targeting hotspots, illegal trading, cable theft, drugs, and illegal immigrants. A safer Gauteng starts with coordinated action."