DA leader criticises Gauteng Premier over ama Panya-Panya

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Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has criticized Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi over the deployment of Gauteng’s crime-fighting wardens, colloquially known as ama Panya-Panya.

Steenhuisen’s criticism comes amidst a backdrop of heightened concerns over rising crime rates, particularly in areas like Soshanguve, where the DA staged a picket outside the local police station yesterday.

Community members in Soshanguve have reported a noticeable uptick in criminal activity in recent weeks, prompting Steenhuisen to question the allocation of resources towards Lesufi’s crime prevention initiative.

VIDEO| DA leader John Steenhuisen addresses anti-crime rally in Soshanguve: 

Instead of bolstering the police force with essential resources, Steenhuisen argues that funds earmarked for crime prevention should have been redirected toward improving the capabilities of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“Instead of ending cadre deployment, instead of taking money and buying decent vehicles for the SAPS. Instead of bringing on more officers, instead of making sure that our officers have decent bulletproof vests, and the ability to go and fight crime. What did Panyaza Lesufi do, he took your money and went to Pep and went to go buy Ama green, the hlazi uniform, he bought this uniform. He went to Pep.”

VIDEO| Gauteng police promise high visibility in Soshanguve: