​An army of over 1 000 JMPD officers has been deployed to police the Johannesburg inner city in a bid to curb crime and grime.

A briefing parade was held for the 1 800 officers at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown on Wednesday, 19 January. Not even the day’s heavy downpour could hinder the deployment of this large group of officers, who appear committed to conducting foot patrols to tackle lawlessness in the Johannesburg city centre.

The officers are deployed under the City’s Operation Buya Mthetho and will be tasked with block patrol to prevent crime, enforce municipal by-laws, and traffic regulations. They will also conduct searches of illegal buildings in the inner city.

Cllr David Tembe, the MMC of Public Safety, says residents can expect increased police visibility in Johannesburg.

“Ideally, residents of the inner city should be able to see a JMPD officer every five minutes. As the MMC for Public Safety, my job is to tackle crime and grime in the inner city and to reduce the number of fatalities on municipal roads,” Tembe says.

The MMC notes that the goal is to restore dignity to the inner city.

About 800 JMPD officers will be deployed for day patrols, with 500 on night duty. This will be a joint policing operation between the JMPD and other law enforcement agencies. The operation – billed to cover the entire inner city, from Yeoville in the east to Fordsburg in the west – is expected to continue indefinitely.

MMC Tembe says JMPD officers will also focus on illegal electricity connections and report potholes, among other service delivery shortfalls.

“We have a plan. We’re going to work together to ensure that everything is done. Those with illegal electrical connections will be dealt with. We have a full house,” he says.

Cllr Nkuli Mbundu, the MMC for Economic Development, says JMPD officers play a significant role in creating a safe and clean city, which is a major requirement for economic growth.

“We need all officers on board,” says Mbundu.

The MMC commends the officers for responding to the call to bring law and order to Johannesburg.

“Your job is hard because your lives are at risk every minute of your day. We appreciate, respect, and honour your commitment to this job,” he says.

Written by Brümilda Swartbooi and Dakalo Ramudidibi.