KEY POINTS
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The DA has blamed Gauteng Premier Lesufi for failing to act as gang violence intensifies in Johannesburg South, with at least 74 murders since 2024.
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Despite promises and a law enforcement agreement, residents report a lack of visible policing and the absence of crime wardens.
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The DA proposes urgent SAPS intervention, illegal firearm crackdowns, and youth outreach to tackle gang violence at its root.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has raised alarm over the growing tide of gang-related violence sweeping through Johannesburg South, accusing Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi of neglecting his promises and failing to deliver meaningful action.
According to the DA, communities in South Hills (Ward 57) and Chrisville (Ward 55) have borne the brunt of ongoing turf wars between rival gangs, with deadly consequences.
The violence has claimed at least 74 lives and resulted in 10 attempted murders since 2024. Recent victims include an 18-year-old youth and a school transport driver—both believed to have been caught in the crossfire of criminal feuds.
“The crisis is spiralling out of control, and residents are living in fear,” said DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, Sergio Isa dos Santos. “Premier Lesufi’s silence and inaction are damning, especially after the many promises he made to stamp out gangsterism.”
Premier’s promises vs reality—DA slams lack of visible policing
In late 2024, Premier Lesufi signed a memorandum of understanding with law enforcement agencies, pledging to establish coordinated crime-fighting strategies across Gauteng. He had promised an aggressive crackdown on crime and deployed “Amapanyaza” crime wardens to assist police efforts.
“The real forces are back to clean our homes,” Lesufi was quoted as saying during that period.
However, The Citizen reports that dos Santos argues that reality on the ground paints a starkly different picture.
“There is a noticeable absence of visible policing in the most affected areas. Communities haven’t seen these so-called crime wardens. The promises are hollow, and the violence continues unabated,” he said.
The DA has called for immediate deployment of specialised South African Police Service (SAPS) units to the violence-hit regions, particularly Booysens and Moffat View. They argue that these stations are under-resourced and overwhelmed, unable to curb the growing threat of organised crime.
“Lesufi must prioritise targeted operations to dismantle criminal networks and disrupt illegal gun trades,” dos Santos said.
Beyond reactive measures, the DA has presented a multi-pronged strategy aimed at addressing the root causes of gangsterism. Key proposals include:
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Intensifying police operations to recover illegal firearms
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Implementing youth-targeted community outreach programmes
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Expanding access to education, skills training, and job creation for at-risk youth
“The DA will not let this matter rest,” dos Santos added. “We will continue to hold the Premier and his administration accountable for failing our communities.”
At the time of publication, Premier Lesufi had not responded to The Citizen’s request for comment.
The rise in gang violence comes at a time when Gauteng is also facing economic pressure, youth unemployment, and social instability—all contributing factors to the increasing entrenchment of gang culture in urban townships.
Civic leaders in Johannesburg South have echoed the DA’s call for immediate intervention, warning that further delays may lead to even higher casualties and the normalisation of lawlessness.
“It’s not just criminals killing each other. Ordinary people are being caught in the crossfire,” said one community activist in Chrisville. “We need real leadership, not speeches and handshakes.”
