DA’s spokesperson for Community Safety slams Gauteng Premier’s response to crime-ridden informal settlements
Michael Sun has submitted a list of pressing questions to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, seeking clarity on the government's plan to tackle the issues in Clay Oven and Ginger Park, particularly regarding relocation plans and law enforcement measures.
Michael Sun, the Gauteng Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson for Community Safety, has expressed concerns over the Gauteng Government’s response to critical issues facing Clay Oven and Ginger Farm informal settlements.
Sun said they are allegedly used as criminal hideouts and have been identified as crime hotspots by authorities. That is why he submitted a list of questions to the Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi.
He said, however, Lesufi’s response offered little substance, deflecting accountability to other departments without concrete answers or actions.
Also read: Uncollected garbage poses health hazards to residents of Ginger Farm Informal Settlements
Sun has been pushing for improved policing and crime prevention measures in the province. He said his efforts are aligned with the DA’s Gauteng Community Safety Oversight Bill.
“It’s unacceptable that the premier’s response lacks urgency and accountability,” said Sun.
“The residents of Paulshof, Brecknock, and Fourways deserve better. We will continue to demand proper responses and ensure action from the premier to address these pressing issues.”
The official response from Lesufi’s office about the provinces’ plan to remove the unlawful occupiers from both informal settlements was that the matter has been referred to the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development and the Gauteng Department of Human Settlement, to determine the legal ownership of the land and indicate the mitigating matters thereof.
Also read: Working to save save Fourways from another Clay Oven
“Once that report is provided, it will be shared with the legislature,” said Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, the Gauteng Acting Premier.
To address the skyrocketing crime in the area, the Acting Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, Najor Peters, said regular high density operations are conducted with JMPD, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Home Affairs, and other stakeholders to ensure the safety of the residents, including business owners, learners, and educators in the area.
“There is constant engagements with the community, and awareness programmes were also carried out for domestic violence, assaults, drugs, and sexual offenses. An informer network has been established to report incidents directly to the sector commander.”
However, Sun was not pleased with the official response from Peters.
“Evasive responses have become common practice, with premiers and MECs often responding with minimal accountability or action. It’s time for change. We need leaders who will take ownership of problems and work towards solutions. Fighting for residents’ rights has never been easy, but we will not relent. We will continue to push for accountability and action from the premier, and ensure that our communities receive the support they deserve.”
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Related article: Premier Lesufi grilled over inaction on Fourways informal settlements
