The Star Late Edition

Lesufi slams ‘dangerous’ body shaming

- ANITA NKONKI anita.nkonki@inl.co.za

GAUTENG Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s efforts to curb crime, corruption and lawlessnes­s have been met with criticism on social media.

Last week, Lesufi unleashed 4 000 crime prevention wardens, who are expected to patrol the province’s crime hotspots to strengthen law enforcemen­t.

Though it has been stated that the wardens have gone through vigorous training, some have been denounced, with many questionin­g their fitness to perform their duties.

Some of the subjects raised were weight and being unfit, a matter that

Lesufi addressed on his Twitter account, further slamming trolls about body shaming.

One of the wardens whose picture was circulated on social media is Mahlatse Tseko, who Lesufi says has been a crimefight­ing volunteer for years.

Defending him, he said: “Body shaming and discrimina­tion is as dangerous as racism and sexism. You can be somehow and still be capable to work. I’ve taken an extraordin­ary step to request the training session of Mahlatse Tseko, a crime-fighting volunteer who fought criminals for years volunteeri­ng.”

At the launch, Lesufi assured Gauteng residents of a good night’s sleep as the crime prevention wardens were given their orders to patrol the streets of Gauteng from Monday.

“We are politely requesting all criminals, pack your things and leave Gauteng. We’ve got the provincial police, special units and various units that are going to be supporting these young ones and their learning is continuous.

“The crime prevention wardens have gone through vigorous training and are ready to display the utmost discipline as they tackle crime in Gauteng communitie­s,” said Lesufi.

It was also revealed that the wardens will address criminal activities including, but not limited to, illegal land occupation and lawlessnes­s, damage to state infrastruc­ture, vandalism and genderbase­d violence and femicide.

 ?? VOLUNTEER Matlatse Tseko. ??
VOLUNTEER Matlatse Tseko.

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