Panyaza Lesufi Under Fire Over Party Video After Promising Ekurhuleni Police Lockdown

• A video of Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi partying surfaced online days after he promised a police lockdown in Ekurhuleni
• Residents and opposition politicians say there is no visible policing on the ground despite the premier's assurances
• The backlash comes as Ekurhuleni faces intense scrutiny after the discovery of nine women's bodies in the area

SOUTH AFRICA - Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is facing a wave of public anger after a video of him at a social event began circulating on social media, just days after he promised intensified police operations in Ekurhuleni.

The backlash comes at a particularly sensitive moment. Nine women's bodies were recently discovered in the Ekurhuleni area, pushing public pressure on the provincial government to respond decisively to the safety crisis. Lesufi had publicly committed to a police lockdown in the metro, but residents say they have seen no evidence of that promise on the ground.

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Social media user @Yknip1 captured the frustration felt by many when posting about the video on 20 September 2026, pointing out that while Lesufi appeared to be enjoying himself at a social gathering, Kempton Park streets remain poorly lit and without visible police presence.

DA joins the chorus of criticism

The Democratic Alliance also waded into the controversy. DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis took to X to share his concern after conducting what he described as an oversight visit to Ekurhuleni alongside DA Mayoral Candidate Khathu Rasilingwane. He wrote that during the entire drive, not a single police officer or vehicle was spotted anywhere in the area, directly contradicting the premier's claims of increased visible policing.

"Where is the visible policing, Lesufi?" he wrote

Hill-Lewis used the moment to campaign for his party's candidate, saying the DA is the only party with a credible plan to address policing failures in South Africa.

See video here:

Mzansi reacts to Lesufi's partying video

South Africans were quick to share their thoughts online:

@yangamshwe wrote:

"People are living in fear the Premier is prioritizing vibes. No sense of urgency in this country."

@Walefatshebrand pushed back:

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"He's a human being he can't live like a robot, you got life he's also got life. Be for real just once."

@mabembe said:

"Cadres don't care about optics. Being a public SERVANT means absolutely nothing to them. An utter disgrace."

@gabyj1 remarked:

"Rome is burning and they have time to dance. Eish!"

@Hlubikazi1968 wrote:

"He is a number one citizen of Gauteng, his province is facing the worst form of crime. Families are destroyed, mourning the loss of their loved one. His priority should be strategic planning on how to make GP safe. We are in trouble. This man has zero leadership qualities."

President Rmaphosa spotted at golf event amid GBV crisis

Briefly News also reported that South Africans were outraged after spotting President Cyril Ramaphosa attending a golf day event after he had booked off sick, while the country grapples with the femicide crisis. The ANC posted a video of the president arriving at the ANC Veterans Presidential Golf Day, sparking a range of reactions from people questioning his priorities.

Source: Briefly News