The Gauteng provincial legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has welcomed the signing of a landmark co-operation agreement aimed at combating crime across various municipalities in the province.
This agreement is seen as a critical step towards enhancing law enforcement efforts and ensuring community safety.
The co-operation agreement, signed on September 5, was initiated by the minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, in partnership with the government of provincial unity and the three metropolitan cities in Gauteng.
The agreement represents a unified approach to addressing the rising crime levels and fostering safety across the province.
“This agreement brings together the three spheres of government to work collaboratively in addressing crime prevention, law enforcement, and community safety initiatives,” chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety, Bandile Masuku, said.
Masuku also emphasised the importance of such agreements in empowering crime-fighting initiatives with the necessary resources and co-operation across government sectors.
“It is through co-operation agreements like this that crime-fighting initiatives can be strengthened and well-capacitated to respond effectively to criminal activities and address the root causes of crime in Gauteng,” he said.
However, despite the optimism surrounding the agreement, the Committee has raised concerns about the delays in launching the highly anticipated Integrated Command Centre in the province.
The Centre, designed to co-ordinate efforts between law enforcement agencies, emergency services, and community policing forums, has faced setbacks that have slowed progress on improving crime response capabilities.
“Despite its potential to significantly improve safety and security, the project has encountered delays, leaving communities at greater risk,” Masuku said.
The Committee remains firm in holding the government of provincial unity accountable to ensure the launch of the Command Centre proceeds without further obstacles.
Looking forward, the Committee encourages all stakeholders to honour the co-operation agreement and embrace it as a long-term strategy for creating safer communities.
“We believe this agreement will serve as a lasting solution to tackle crime head-on and make a significant impact in making Gauteng safer for all,” Masuku said.
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