By Thapelo Molefe
The City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Public Safety, Mgcini Tshwaku, says the city is making strides toward building “a safer and more resilient Johannesburg” through technology, new emergency vehicles, and intensified law enforcement operations.
Speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday, Tshwaku outlined the Department of Public Safety’s performance and achievements over the past year, from November 2024 to October 2025, and revealed key plans for the 2025/26 financial year.
“This media engagement is part of our commitment to transparency, accountability, and public engagement in matters of safety and security in the city,” said Tshwaku.
“We have heard our communities’ concerns, from crime to food safety and emergency response, and we are taking proactive steps to meet their needs.”
Tshwaku said the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) had been stabilised through several key interventions, including the appointment of Commissioner Patrick Jaca as Chief of Police and the creation of a Tactical Reaction Unit (TRU), the first in JMPD’s history.
He said that the TRU is tasked with tackling hijackings, kidnappings, cash-in-transit robberies, drug crimes, and gang-related violence, while working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to Tshwaku, under the #ManjeNamhlanje campaign, JMPD has led multiple crime-busting operations across the city, targeting hijacked buildings, illegal mining sites, drug dens, and unlicensed liquor outlets in areas including Hillbrow, Diepsloot, Alexandra, Riverlea, and the Johannesburg CBD.
He added that the department also deployed traffic pointsmen to manage traffic during load-shedding and vandalism-related signal failures, with a new service-level agreement signed to fast-track traffic light repairs.
Tshwaku said that in August, the JMPD introduced electronic handheld devices and a new fleet of vehicles, marking what he called a “significant step toward a smarter, more efficient, and safer Johannesburg”.
He said that the Android-based devices enable officers to issue fines within minutes, capture accident reports electronically, and identify stolen vehicles in real time through a live link to the NaTIS system.
“These devices replace handwritten notices, reduce administrative workload, and enhance officer safety through GPS tracking,” said Tshwaku.
“It’s about bringing technology to the front line of law enforcement.”
Tshwaku said significant progress has also been made within Fire and Emergency Management Services (EMS), led by Andries Mucavele, which adopted a proactive strategy to prevent rather than react to fires.
He said that the new approach had resulted in a 10% decrease in fire and rescue incidents during the 2024/25 financial year, alongside compliance inspections of over 6,000 buildings.
Earlier this month, Tshwaku officially opened the brand-new Central Fire Station, which now houses modern facilities, training spaces, and a state-of-the-art fire engine. He said the city procured 15 new fire and rescue vehicles, five of which have already been delivered, marking the first successful procurement of fire engines since 2001.
“Johannesburg’s residents deserve fast, professional emergency services,” Tshwaku said.
“These new resources ensure we can respond to fires and disasters more effectively.”
Tshwaku said the City of Johannesburg Disaster Management Centre (CoJDMC) also made major strides, achieving over 80% compliance with national disaster management standards.
According to him, the city recorded 403 incidents and assisted more than 3,800 households affected by disasters between 2024 and 2025. It also launched the Community Disaster Resilience Programme, training over 1,200 volunteers to support emergency response and relief efforts.
“Disaster management has moved from being reactive to proactive and science-based,” Tshwaku said.
“We are building a system that saves lives before disaster strikes.”
Tshwaku said the Licensing Division, led by Director Gershin Chetty, introduced the Smart Enrolment Unit (SEU) in January 2025 at the Sandton Driver’s Licence Testing Centre. The SEU allows residents to complete all licensing services, from eye tests to licence issuance, in under 15 minutes.
He added that the department also rolled out computerised learner’s licence testing with biometric verification to curb corruption and launched a digital licensing communication platform to improve customer service.
According to Tshwaku, mobile licensing trucks now visit various communities, including Ivory Park, Orange Farm, and Cosmo City, bringing services closer to residents.
Tshwaku said through the Integrated Intelligence Operations Centre (IIOC), Johannesburg has expanded its surveillance footprint, with 570 CCTV cameras now deployed across the city, 561 of which are fully operational.
He said that the IIOC also works with VumaCam, which provides an additional 6,800 private cameras to enhance public safety coverage.
According to Tshwaku, a new Automatic Dispatching System (AURA) now links verified alerts directly to JMPD and EMS fleets, cutting emergency response times from up to 30 minutes to as little as five minutes.
He added that the department is also testing Smart Poles which are multifunctional streetlight units equipped with CCTV and connectivity, in an effort to integrate safety and smart city technology.
To consolidate its safety initiatives, Tshwaku launched the #NomakanjaniManjeNamhlanje campaign, a citywide drive to strengthen by-law enforcement, traffic management, and crime prevention.
“This campaign is about reclaiming our city — restoring safety, order, and confidence in our urban spaces,” he said. “We call on residents, law enforcement, and private partners to unite behind this effort.”
“Together, we will build a Johannesburg where every resident feels protected, empowered, and proud to call this city home, because a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” he said.
INSIDE METROS