The Gauteng Provincial Government has welcomed the announcement of the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, to designate the Crime Prevention Wardens as peace officers and be accorded the same status as traffic officers.
This follows complaints by some political parties and non-governmental organizations, that the wardens, popularly known as Amapanyaza, were not properly trained and due processes were not followed during the formation of their unit.
There has also been tension between Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Police Minister Bheki Cele, over the powers and recognition of the wardens, after Cele “allegedly refused to recognise them.”
The 6,000 wardens were hired through Lesufi’s Nasi Ispani Mass Recruitment Programme earlier this year.
“After conducting a thorough analysis of the applicable legal frameworks, it was determined that for the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens to exercise peace officer powers, they must assume the same legal status as Gauteng Provincial traffic officers.
Provincial traffic officers currently carry out their duties within the ambit of their peace officer designation, supported by the necessary legal framework,” read a statement from the Minister.
According to the statement, Lamola made the determination in terms of section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977.
Meanwhile, the Gauteng government welcomed the announcement, adding that it finally clarifies the uncertainty over the status of the wardens.
“This announcement affirms what we have said all along, the Crime Prevention Wardens are a legal, well equipped provincial law enforcement body that collaborates with other law enforcement organizations in the province.
They operate under the supervision of the other law enforcement agencies, i.e Gauteng Traffic and local authorities,” said Lesufi.
