Over 400 Crime Leaders Identified in Gauteng Operation
Gauteng officials have uncovered over 400 key figures involved in criminal activities throughout the province, marking a significant advancement in the ongoing battle against crime.
During his 2025 State of the Province Address in Tshwane on Monday evening, Premier Panyaza Lesufi shared this information. He acknowledged the urgent issues facing the province, such as elevated crime rates, cable theft, and failing infrastructure, while stressing the government’s dedication to dismantling criminal networks.
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Recent crime data from the third quarter of the 2024/25 financial year (spanning from 1 October to 31 December 2024) indicates that Gauteng has the highest murder rate in the nation, accounting for 25% of all reported murders. This is followed by KwaZulu-Natal (21.4%), the Eastern Cape (18.9%), and the Western Cape (17.4%).
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Statistics published last week by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu have amplified calls for enhanced law enforcement. Lesufi reassured residents that progress is being made in addressing crime issues in the province.
He explained that, in partnership with the private sector, police, and intelligence agencies, authorities have implemented an advanced surveillance system to track 442 identified crime kingpins.
“By collaborating with the private sector, law enforcement, and various intelligence networks, we have activated a surveillance solution that enables us to observe these criminals’ movements, determine their residences, and predict their next actions,” remarked Lesufi.
This initiative primarily targets serious crimes such as cash-in-transit heists, abductions, hijackings, contract killings, ATM bombings, blue-light gang operations, and business thefts.
So far, authorities have apprehended at least 50 of the identified kingpins. Lesufi expressed optimism that the remaining criminals would be caught within the next six months.
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“We genuinely believe this is a revolutionary initiative. These 442 individuals are pivotal in orchestrating violent acts in our province, and we are steadfast in our goal to dismantle their operations,” he added.
Premier Lesufi emphasized the ongoing 24-hour surveillance on the identified crime bosses. He praised the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their prompt action in apprehending a key suspect associated with a notorious murder case in Sandton.
“Last night, an alleged mastermind behind the murder of a Sandton businessman was on the verge of fleeing to Ethiopia. He was intercepted at the airport and has since been arrested,” Lesufi reported.
Lesufi’s remarks referred to the murder of businessman Andrew Lambrianos, who tragically lost his life in December 2023. The 43-year-old owner of a tax consultancy was ambushed by gunmen as he exited his driveway on Coleraine Drive. Despite swift medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries.
Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the spokesperson for Gauteng police, confirmed that a 42-year-old Argentinian national was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday morning. Authorities apprehended him just moments before he was scheduled to board a flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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Van Wyk revealed that investigators suspect the arrested individual was the “mastermind” behind the assassination.
The initiative to combat crime kingpins signifies a major advancement in the Gauteng government’s endeavors to restore public safety and security. With ongoing cooperation between law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and the private sector, authorities aim to dismantle organized crime networks and achieve a considerable reduction in violent crime throughout the province.
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