EFF statement on the upcoming launch of JMPD’s Tactical Reaction Unit
9 November 2023
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) welcomes the upcoming launch of the Tactical Reaction Unit (TRU) within the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) this Friday. This development has occurred under the leadership of EFF's MMC of Public Safety, Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku, in the City of Johannesburg.
This strategic move is a resolute response to the persistent surge in high-level and emerging crimes within the municipality. The TRU, which is being launched under the theme #FightingCrimeManjeNamhlanje will be launched in Soweto tomorrow at 1 Oam.
The JMPD's mandate is threefold, a triad of responsibilities encompassing the enforcement of traffic laws, the regulation of bylaws, and the combat and prevention of crimes. However, since its inception in 2001, a dedicated crime-fighting directorate has never been established within the JMPD.
This is why the EFF led Public and Safety department established the TRU, a formidable force tasked with executing daily searches, imposing visible policing, engaging with the community, conducting meticulous crime analysis, and amassing vital intelligence on crime hotspots. Moreover, this unit is entrusted with the necessary duty of addressing domestic violence and safeguarding the rights of women, children, and the elderly.
Furthermore, the TRU will embark on special operations, driven by actionable intelligence received from the Crime Prevention Unit. It is this elite force that will confront all criminal threats, from cash-in-transit heists to business robberies, hijackings, kidnappings, and illegal miners.
The establishment of this unit marks a significant milestone, aligning with the EFF's commitment to combat crime as outlined in our 2021 local government manifesto. It is a testament to the culmination of our tireless efforts within the City of Johannesburg municipality. We place our trust in the capable leadership of Dr. Tshwaku to steer Johannesburg toward a safer and more secure future.
Issued by Sinawo Thambo, National Spokesperson, EFF, 9 November 2023
