Gauteng DA calling for takeover of national police powers
The move would allow the province to have its specialised police units to deal with crime-related issues endemic to Gauteng.
DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga delivered the 'true state of the province address' on 15 February 2024. Picture: Thabiso Goba/ Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng is calling for the devolution of police powers, from national to provincial government.
The move would allow the province to have its specialised police units to deal with crime-related issues endemic to Gauteng.
The idea was put forward by DA Gauteng leader and premier candidate Solly Msimanga during what he termed the true state of the province address at the Johannesburg Country Club on Thursday.
The event is a precursor to the official State of the Province (SOPA) that will be delivered by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi next Monday.
The words devolve and decentralise featured prominently in Msimanga’s address.
The DA Gauteng leader said there cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach to tackling crime.
Msimanga added that a mineral-rich province like Gauteng needs a specialised police unit that can deal with the scourge of zama zamas or illegal miners.
“We need a unit that will deal decisively with the business forums here who are stopping progress from happening in most of our communities, stopping projects left, right and centre but nobody seems to know how to deal with that.”
Msimanga said the Gauteng crime prevention wardens also known as 'amaPanyaza' do not fit his description of a provincial crime-fighting force as they are not trained properly.