The City of Johannesburg has officially launched its Easter Safety Campaign, placing a strong focus on road safety, crime prevention, and a renewed crackdown on corruption within law enforcement.
Speaking at the launch, MMC for Public Safety Dr Cllr Mgcini Tshwaku emphasised the need for visibility, discipline, and cooperation between authorities and communities during the busy Easter period.
With increased traffic volumes expected across the city, Tshwaku stressed that safety on the roads remains a top priority.
“We must ensure that there are no fatalities on our roads. Officers must be visible, enforce the law, and protect all road users, especially pedestrians,” he said.
The campaign will see intensified roadblocks, stop and search operations, and monitoring of high risk areas, including major freeways and public gathering spaces.
Authorities have also issued a warning against illegal events during the holiday period, urging organisers to secure proper permits through the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department.
Tshwaku acknowledged that the department had previously struggled with serious resource shortages, which affected its ability to operate effectively.
“When we came in, there were no adequate tools of trade. Officers did not have enough cars, firearms, or even proper uniforms,” he said.
Despite these challenges, the city has made notable progress in strengthening its law enforcement capacity.
New vehicles have been procured, approximately 800 firearms have been acquired, and surveillance systems have been significantly improved.
Camera functionality across the city has increased from 40 percent to 80 percent, while partnerships with the private sector have expanded monitoring capabilities to around 60,000 cameras.
“These improvements have strengthened our ability to fight crime and respond effectively,” Tshwaku added.
The Easter Safety Campaign forms part of broader efforts by the City of Johannesburg to restore public confidence in law enforcement while ensuring safer roads and communities during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.