Panyaza Lesufi promised the technology, but 8 bodies later, where is it?

As the number of women found dead across Ekurhuleni climbs, so does a pointed question aimed squarely at Gauteng’s premier Panyaza Lesufi: What happened to all the crime-fighting technology his province was promised?

NUMBER NOW STANDS AT EIGHT

Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane confirmed the update at a high-level briefing on Tuesday night.

Police are now investigating eight cases in total: five bodies found in Kempton Park, two in Olifantsfontein, and one in KwaThema.

Police already arrested one suspect.

As a result, they’re also hunting another person of interest, though investigators have not confirmed whether all eight deaths are connected.

THE QUESTION BEING ASKED OF LESUFI

Writing in the Sunday Times, columnist Oliver Meth didn’t his mince words.

He asked a direct question.

Where has Gauteng’s much-publicised crime-fighting infrastructure actually been throughout this case?

Meth ran through the full list of what Gauteng residents were promised: CCTV cameras, e-panic buttons, an integrated command centre, AmaPanyaza crime wardens, drones and helicopters. His question was blunt: “So where is it?”

Meth’s core argument is that Lesufi has spent years publicly championing this technology to prove Gauteng was “getting serious about crime.” 

The province, he argues, can’t claim credit when the systems work while distancing itself from accountability when they seemingly don’t.

WHAT LESUFI HAS ACTUALLY DONE SO FAR

In response, Panyaza Lesufi personally visited the crime scenes and reached out directly to victims’ families to offer support.

Lesufi has assured the public that law enforcement now has the full resources needed to trace, track and apprehend those responsible.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said Lesufi has committed to engaging his own stakeholders directly.

That includes community patrollers, church leaders, community-based organisations and trade unions, as part of a coordinated push.

Police have also put a R400 000 reward on the table for information leading to a breakthrough.

This comes alongside an increased police presence through Operation Shanela in Kempton Park and surrounding areas.

WHY THIS MATTERS BEYOND THIS ONE CASE

Ultimately, Meth’s underlying question lingers, whatever the outcome of this specific investigation.

If Gauteng’s promised surveillance and rapid-response technology didn’t cover an area like Rhodesfield and the R21 corridor.

Where does it actually cover – and is it functioning as advertised?

DO YOU THINK GAUTENG’S CRIME-FIGHTING TECHNOLOGY IS LIVING UP TO WHAT WAS PROMISED?