Note to editors: Please find attached English soundbite by Solly Msimanga MPL.
Shop owners in Johannesburg’s inner city face relentless violent crime, making it nearly impossible for them to grow their businesses or contribute to the local economy. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has done nothing to address this crisis. His complete inaction has abandoned these entrepreneurs to fend for themselves.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng demands that Premier Lesufi collaborate with his national counterpart, Acting Minister of Police Gwede Mantashe, to address the serious infrastructure and resource challenges at Johannesburg Central Police Station. This will assist the police in combating crime and safeguarding businesses and individuals in the hazardous and crime-plagued Joburg CBD.
The DA discovered the hostile environment for small businesses during a walkabout, engaging with shop owners and evaluating infrastructure damage around Bree Street, Small Street, and the Carlton Centre.
Many businesses we visited are heavily secured with reinforced burglar bars and solid metal doors. One electronics store had installed double burglar bars inside and outside after suffering four armed robberies. Other stores along Small Street and Carlton Centre have also resorted to hiring private security to protect their patrons who are victims of daily robberies. These extreme security measures underscore the serious threat of violent crime faced by business owners, their employees, and customers in the CBD.
The DA also found that many businesses are struggling due to persistent electricity outages, forcing them to spend thousands of rands on fuel for generators to keep their operations running. In addition, some business owners reported being extorted by individuals demanding rent payments. Furthermore, there appears to be a lack of bylaw enforcement, with some vendors operating in prohibited areas without consequence.
Our inspection of Bree Street confirmed what we already suspected: there is nothing tangible to show for the over R200 million reportedly spent on its rehabilitation. At this rate, it is impossible to believe that the August 2025 deadline will be met.
The DA also visited the JHB Central Police Station to assess whether it has adequate resources to combat crime in the inner city. Dedicated police officers at the station reported challenges with unreliable vehicles breaking down while they are responding to incidents. As a result, suspects frequently escape on foot and disappear into nearby hijacked buildings. The physical condition of the police station is also a cause for concern. As an ageing facility, it urgently requires investment in maintenance and upgrades to ensure it remains functional and fit for purpose.
See photos here, here, here, here and here.
The DA Gauteng is in the process of compiling a dossier comprising our findings from the Anti-Crime campaign, where we are assessing identified problematic police stations in Gauteng. This report will be forwarded to Premier Lesufi and the Minister of Police.
A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would conduct a thorough needs analysis of all police stations to enable comprehensive and targeted remedial action. We would also ensure an integrated approach, involving both the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and SAPS, to enforce bylaws and protect the inner-city economy.