The City of Johannesburg has reaffirmed its commitment to creating safer communities and protecting the rights of women as residents of Ivory Park called for tougher action against crime and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) during a high-level community engagement held at Lord Khanyile Hall on Tuesday. Among those in attendance were Deputy Minister of Police Dr Polly Boshielo, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, City of Johannesburg Deputy Executive Mayor Councillor Loyiso Masuku, senior South African Police Service officials, community leaders and residents.

Residents voiced concerns over increasing levels of crime and called for increased police visibility in identified crime hotspots, stronger enforcement of municipal by-laws, additional satellite police stations, more rehabilitation centres to address substance abuse, interventions to tackle illegal immigration, and improved support services for male victims of abuse.

They also said drug and alcohol abuse, coupled with limited policing resources, continue to contribute significantly to violent crime and incidents of gender-based violence in Ivory Park.

Dr Boshielo encouraged residents to report all criminal activities and called on men to become active partners in the fight against gender-based violence. "We encourage everyone to report any form of criminality to the police, no matter how minor it may seem. By doing so, we contribute to creating safer communities."

Cllr Masuku reaffirmed the City's commitment to working with all spheres of government to build safer communities and eradicate gender-based violence.

"Gender-based violence has no place in our communities. We call on every woman to stand firm, know and protect her rights, and never suffer in silence. The City of Johannesburg remains committed to creating safe spaces where women, children and all vulnerable members of society can live free from fear. Through stronger partnerships with law enforcement and our communities, we will continue to strengthen interventions that prevent crime and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice," said Cllr Masuku.

The engagement forms part of ongoing collaborative efforts between national, provincial and local government to strengthen crime prevention, improve visible policing and enhance cooperation between communities and law enforcement agencies.

Written by Luyanda Lunika
06/08/2026

 
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