The JMPD’s TRU will collaborate with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and private security firms as a force multiplier, focusing on preventing and combating unlawful activities in Johannesburg with special attention given to serious crimes such as kidnapping, cash-and-transit heists, illegal mining, and other issues plaguing the city.
The TRU will conduct daily searches, visible policing, community interactions, crime analysis, and address issues related to domestic violence, women, children, and the elderly.
The unit’s responsibilities extend to handling special operations including responses to information from the crime-prevention unit, addressing business robberies, hijackings, and activities related to illegal mining.
“We are going to fight crime fire by fire. Our people are getting killed daily, and we shall respond. Any criminal pointing a gun at a police officer or community member will be met with a shoot-to-kill approach,” said MMC for Public Safety, Cllr Mgcini Tshwaku.
JMPD spokesman, superintendent Xolani Fihla, noted that the City of Joburg experiences high rates of unlawful incidents in areas including the CBD, Diepsloot, Hillbrow, Orange Farms, and Yeoville which it can not always tend to in an effective manner.
“This unit will make sure that we do bridge that gap in fighting crime within the city of Johannesburg,” said Fihla.
JMPD Motorway Patrol Fleet
Alongside the TRU, the JMPD also announced the establishment of its new Motorway Patrol Fleet.
As opposed to the serious crimes that the TRU will prioritise, the Motorway Patrol Fleet is intended for daily patrols and service delivery-related policing work – taking inspiration from Cape Town’s 24/7 highway patrol unit.
“This move marks a significant step as the JMPD establishes a crime-combating directorate, demonstrating its commitment to enforcing traffic laws, municipal bylaws, and preventing crimes,” said Tshwaku.
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