Gauteng Premier launches law enforcement blitz to restore order in Thembisa

Recently, the Gauteng Provincial Government, led by Premier Panyaza Lesufi, hosted an integrated service delivery event at the Mehlareng Stadium in Thembisa.

The event was part of a broader strategy tackling service delivery challenges and strengthening law enforcement in the region. It comes after the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding on integrated cross-boundary law enforcement operations.

The initiative united multiple stakeholders, including the SAPS, Gauteng municipal police departments and local and district municipalities.

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The goal is to increase police visibility, promote inter-agency collaboration, share intelligence and use advanced technology to fight crime across municipal boundaries.

The programme also addresses pressing issues affecting Ekurhuleni residents, including law enforcement compliance, crime, waste removal and road maintenance.

Thembisa residents have already seen improvements, with street repairs and clean-ups in the days before the event.

Lesufi assured residents that change is coming, vowing to reclaim areas plagued by lawlessness.

“Today, we brought together all security forces – the SAPS, the TMPD, the EMPD, the JMPD, and more – to restore peace and order in the area. We will reclaim the Swazi Inn for our people, businesses and country,” said Lesufi.

“We’ll clean up the entire street and ensure every person and business operates legally. Next, we’re heading to Madelakufa.

“Everyone in the shacks must present documents proving ownership or legal residence. If you’re occupying land illegally, you must leave – no exceptions – regardless of who you are or how long you’ve been there.”

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Lesufi added that the aim is not only to remove criminal elements but also to restore faith in the government.

“The people of Thembisa can rest assured: the crime and disorder you’ve endured ends here. We are here to defend this area and this country.”

“I’m from here. I cannot sit back and watch crime, load-shedding, poor road infrastructure and lawlessness continue. We will fix it all with the help of the police, the mayor and our councillors.”

Although brief, the event at Mehlareng formally launched the new partnership between Gauteng’s law enforcement bodies. These joint forces will now be regularly stationed in Thembisa to maintain law and order.