While residents in informal settlements in Fourways say they are simply trying to live closer to job opportunities, residents of nearby suburbs report an increase in crime. The DA wants Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to answer some tough questions after his State of the Province promise to deal with informal settlements.

The DA’s Michael Sun, spokesperson for Community Safety in Gauteng, says Clay Oven and Ginger Farm informal settlements have been identified as major crime hotspots, marred by violent crimes and drug deals.

He claims residents from informal settlements are also to blame for damaging traffic lights so they can direct traffic and solicit money from motorists.

Sun claimed to know about these happenings after engaging with residents and business owners from both settlements. He says records of public meetings and crimes reported to the Sandton police station further substantiate his claims.

“Criminals make a quick getaway and run into these informal settlements on the roadside. It becomes almost impossible to track them. The crime and grime have become intolerable for the residents in the area,” said Sun.

Despite Lesufi’s undertaking during his State of the Province Address, Sun said he has not delivered, with little to no action taken on ground level.

The DA had submitted questions to Lesufi to ascertain what actions were taken by the Department of Community Safety in response to the alleged criminal activities.

“The premier must be held accountable, and law enforcement must intensify its efforts to address these crime-ridden hotspots and restore safety and order across the province. We are now waiting for a response,” said Sun.

Lesufi’s spokesperson Sizwe Pamla said a specialised Crime Prevention Warden unit had been set up to combat illegal land invasions and the vandalism of infrastructure.

“Every week, all Community Safety MMCs of Gauteng municipalities meet with the premier and the provincial SAPS to deal with identified crime hotspots and plan crime prevention operations together. There is considerable progress in formalising this intergovernmental cooperation,” added Pamla.

The Department of Human Settlement’s Neo Goba confirmed that the landowner of Ginger Farm has applied for the eviction of the land’s occupants. He added the Clay Oven land was earmarked for the construction of the K60 road and the residents would have to be relocated.

Clay Oven resident and spokesperson Sphiwe Ntuli said they moved to the area because they had nowhere else to go.

“We need help to get better housing,” he said. “We are looking for jobs here in Fourways, that is why we are here. We are not going to move without proper assistance for accommodation from the city. Staying here keeps us close to many places where we can try to work for money.”

Ntuli refused to comment on crime accusations.

Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said promised to comment but none was received at the time of publishing.