DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga has raised alarm over the dire conditions faced by shop owners in Johannesburg’s inner city, citing rampant violent crime and a reign of terror by criminals.
Msimanga, speaking on Wednesday, said that the ongoing crime situation impedes business growth and economic contribution in the area.
He criticised Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi for what he described as complete inaction in addressing the crime crisis, leaving entrepreneurs to fend for themselves.
Msimanga called for collaboration between Premier Lesufi and Acting Minister of Police Gwede Mantashe to tackle the infrastructure and resource challenges at Johannesburg Central Police Station.
This, he argued, is crucial to enhancing police capabilities in combating crime and ensuring the safety of businesses and residents in the crime-plagued Joburg CBD.
During a recent walkabout, the DA discovered the hostile environment faced by small businesses around Bree Street, Small Street, and the Carlton Centre.
Many of these businesses are heavily fortified with reinforced burglar bars and solid metal doors, with some even resorting to hiring private security following multiple armed robberies.
The DA also noted that persistent electricity outages have further strained businesses, forcing them to spend significant sums on fuel for generators to maintain operations. Additionally, some businesses reported extortion attempts by individuals demanding rent payments, highlighting a lack of effective bylaw enforcement in the area.
“Our inspection of Bree Street confirmed our suspicions: despite reports of over R200 million spent on rehabilitation, there is little tangible improvement. Meeting the August 2025 deadline seems increasingly improbable,” said Msimanga.
The DA’s visit to JHB Central Police Station revealed concerning deficiencies in resources and infrastructure.
Officers reported unreliable vehicles that frequently break down during responses, allowing suspects to escape into nearby hijacked buildings.
The physical state of the station itself was also flagged as needing urgent maintenance and upgrades to ensure functionality.
Msimanga announced that the DA Gauteng is compiling a comprehensive dossier based on findings from their Anti-Crime campaign, focusing on problematic police stations across Gauteng.
This report will be submitted to Premier Lesufi and the Minister of Police for action.
He said 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,” he said.
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