Officials in Gauteng have identified more than 400 key individuals involved in criminal activities across the province, representing a crucial step forward in the ongoing fight against crime.
During his State of the Province Address in Tshwane on Monday night, Premier Panyaza Lesufi shared this development. He recognized the pressing challenges that the province faces, including rising crime rates, cable theft, and deteriorating infrastructure, while emphasizing the government’s commitment to dismantling criminal enterprises.
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Recent crime statistics from the third quarter of the 2024/25 fiscal year (covering 1 October to 31 December 2024) reveal that Gauteng has the highest murder rate in the country, accounting for 25% of all reported murders. This is followed by KwaZulu-Natal (21.4%), the Eastern Cape (18.9%), and the Western Cape (17.4%).
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Statistics released last week by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu have intensified calls for increased law enforcement measures. Lesufi assured residents that strides are being made in tackling crime in the province.
He elaborated that, in collaboration with the private sector, police, and intelligence agencies, authorities have launched an advanced surveillance initiative to monitor 442 identified crime kingpins.
“By working together with the private sector, law enforcement, and diverse intelligence networks, we have deployed a surveillance solution that allows us to track these criminals’ movements, pinpoint their residences, and anticipate their next moves,” Lesufi stated.
The focus of this initiative is primarily on serious offenses such as cash-in-transit heists, kidnappings, hijackings, contract killings, ATM bombings, blue-light gang activities, and business robberies.
To date, authorities have arrested at least 50 of the identified kingpins. Lesufi expressed confidence that the remaining suspects will be apprehended within the upcoming six months.
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“We truly believe this is a groundbreaking initiative. These 442 individuals play a crucial role in orchestrating violence in our province, and we remain resolute in our mission to dismantle their operations,” he added.
Premier Lesufi highlighted that there will be ongoing 24-hour surveillance on the identified criminal leaders. He commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their swift actions in capturing a key suspect linked to a notorious murder case in Sandton.
“Last night, an alleged mastermind behind the murder of a Sandton businessman was on the brink of fleeing to Ethiopia. He was intercepted at the airport and has been arrested,” Lesufi reported.
Lesufi referenced the tragic murder of businessman Andrew Lambrianos, who lost his life in December 2023. The 43-year-old tax consultancy owner was shot by gunmen as he left his house on Coleraine Drive. Despite receiving immediate medical care, he succumbed to his injuries.
Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the spokesperson for Gauteng police, confirmed that a 42-year-old Argentinian national was detained at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday morning. Authorities arrested him just moments before he was due to board a flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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Van Wyk disclosed that investigators believe the detained individual was the “mastermind” behind the assassination.
The initiative aimed at dismantling crime kingpins marks a significant milestone in the Gauteng government’s efforts to enhance public safety and security. Ongoing collaboration among law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and the private sector aims to eradicate organized crime networks and significantly reduce violent crime throughout the province.
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