Cape Town – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has made a bold pledge to resign from his position if he fails to combat crime effectively in the province.
His vow comes in the wake of the tragic murder of a five-year-old child in Soshanguve during a suspected hijacking.
According to EWN, Lesufi acknowledged the progress being made in addressing the issue of crime but emphasised the need for updated policing methods, including the use of technology like cameras and drones.
Despite his determination to address crime, he admitted that if his efforts proved futile, he would step down from his role rather than preside over a losing battle.
“I’m quite convinced that if I fail in this task to fight crime, I’ll throw the towel. I’ll resign. I don’t want to paint a picture where I’m in charge of something that I know I’m not winning the battle,” the report quoted him as saying.
Meanwhile, several organisations and political figures have reportedly rallied to support the grieving familyof five-year-old Ditebogo Phalane Jnr following his death in a hijacking incident in Soshanguve.
Ditebogo was fatally wounded during a hijacking incident outside their home on Friday evening.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo, the child was shot while welcoming his father, who arrived home around 10:30 pm.
“An unconfirmed number of armed suspects allegedly hijacked the father’s White Toyota bakkie and shot the five-year-old boy who later died in hospital,” Masondo said.
The suspects allegedly hijacked the father’s White Toyota bakkie before fleeing the scene.
The child later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
The @EFFGautengProv has visited the home of a five year old boy who was murdered in Soshanguve.
Ditebogo Jnr. Phalane was welcoming his father home when he was shot and killed during a hijacking incident.
We demand Justice for Ditebogo Phalane & We demand it NOW‼️ pic.twitter.com/69QkvGuFKP
— 🇿🇦Apostle Deza🇨🇺 (@ApstDeza) May 12, 2024
Time Live reported on Monday that Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie has offered a substantial reward for information leading to the apprehension of the perpetrators.
Other organisations, such as Tshenolo Private Investigation, have also pledged support and offered rewards for the capture of the culprits.
ActionSA’s Gauteng premier candidate, Funzi Ngobeni, along with representatives from the EFF and ANC, have visited the family to offer condolences and assistance.
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Picture: X/@GautengHealth
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
