Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi has clarified that the ANC regional executive rejected a proposal to employ foreign nationals as officers in the Johannesburg metropolitan police department (JMPD). Briefing the media, ANC regional chairperson Dada Morero, who is also Joburg mayor, suggested integrating documented foreign nationals to address crime challenges. However, Lesufi stated that the proposal was rejected, and they remain committed to training law enforcement agencies to tackle crime effectively.
Morero’s proposal aimed to help JMPD officers deal with criminals who don’t speak South African languages. While some discussions favored alternative methods due to high unemployment rates, Morero emphasized the need for language training for officers or using interpreters in court cases to manage language barriers.
Although unconventional, Morero believes his idea addresses practical issues within the police force. TimesLIVE reported on this development, sparking a debate on the recruitment of foreign nationals in the JMPD.