Cape Town – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has admitted that one of his mistakes in office may have been his impatience in trying to tackle the province’s high crime rate.
As reported by EWN, Lesufi said he may have acted too quickly in some cases, despite the complexity of addressing crime.
“Maybe I’m impatient, and that’s where I feel that I’m guilty. Our people are being mugged left, right and centre. People’s phones are being snatched,” the report quoted him as saying.
“Those who work at night, when they get out of the train, the majority of them can’t reach home because they are attacked. Women and children are raped,” Lesufi stated, highlighting the severity of the security challenges.”
The Premier’s comments come in the wake of criticism over Gauteng’s crime prevention wardens, known as AmaPanyaza. The unit was intended to support law enforcement, but the Public Protector recently ruled that it had been established without proper legal authority.
According to News24, the ruling affected approximately 6,000 wardens and raised questions about the legality of the programme, which was designed to supplement police efforts in high-crime areas. Opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance, had already questioned the initiative’s legality and effectiveness.
Lesufi emphasised, the wardens were never intended to replace the South African Police Service but to enhance community safety. “Our intention was always to supplement the police and improve community safety,” he said.
City Press, Lesufi warned that high crime levels were affecting both residents and economic activity, with some investors expressing concerns about safety in Gauteng.
Reflecting on his approach, Lesufi said that his impatience may have influenced certain decisions. “If wanting to see change quickly is a mistake, then I’ll accept that. But our people deserve to see action — not promises,” he said.
He said that tackling crime requires cooperation between communities, law enforcement agencies, and the provincial government, saying that his administration remains committed to strengthening policing coordination and restoring public confidence in safety initiatives.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@GautengProvince
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
