By Akani Nkuna
In an effort to strengthen the fight against crime, the Gauteng government has signed a memorandum of understanding that will see law enforcement authorities be able to operate across municipal borders.
The agreement was signed by leaders of the provincial and local government and law enforcement during a public ceremony in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The event featured a symbolic joint parade, reflecting the solidarity among Gauteng’s security forces.
The MoU marks a strategic milestone in advancing a unified government and society approach aimed at fostering safer and more secure communities throughout the province.
“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 putting the safety of our residents first,” said Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi during the ceremony.
Lesufi hailed the signing as a significant display of unity and strong leadership, noting that law enforcement agencies in the province were now working collaboratively rather than in isolation.
He also underscored the critical connection between safety and economic growth, warning that crime remained a major barrier to investment, job creation and the province’s overall economic development.
“This signature is a signal that we are taking back our province. We are pulling all resources so that we can go into Johannesburg, pull it back and reclaim it. We are liberating its streets for the people of this province,” Lesufi said.
The five-year deal brings together the SA Police Service, SAPS, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department, municipal police, municipalities and crime wardens to strengthen intergovernmental cooperation.
Key focus areas include joint operations, intelligence sharing and combating crimes like drug trafficking, illegal mining and gender-based violence and femicide, while promoting community safety campaigns and local capacity building.
The government said the pact formed a key part of Gauteng’s coordinated strategy to tackle 13 critical issues highlighted in the premier’s State of the Province Address earlier this year.
“The agreement further aligns with the priorities of the Gauteng Growing Together 2030 Plan, reinforcing safety and security as a foundation for inclusive development, mobility, and investment attraction,” said the provincial government spokesperson Vuyo Mhaga.
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