In a significant development for public safety and law enforcement in Gauteng, the province’s Crime Prevention Wardens, commonly known as “AmaPanyaza”, have officially been designated as peace officers.
The announcement was made by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, marking a major step in strengthening crime prevention and law enforcement capacity across the province.
The designation follows a Public Protector report which found that the previous deployment of the Crime Prevention Wardens had been irregular and unlawful, prompting the need for a formalised legal framework to regulate their role and authority.
“Over 9,000 wardens will be declared peace officers within Gauteng,” Kubayi said.
“Government further confirms that training is a critical requirement in the process of declaring any category of persons as peace officers. Such training attests to the competency of individuals to exercise powers contemplated in Section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, and is considered by the Minister of Police when assessing requests for titular issues.”
Kubayi added that the wardens are currently undergoing a second phase of training to align with their designated functions, following recommendations from a technical report. “Peace officers may only exercise powers within a specific jurisdiction, in relation to defined offences, and in line with the declaration published in the Government Gazette today,” she said.
She emphasised that wardens must hold a valid certificate of appointment to exercise their powers, warning that any action taken without proper certification would have no legal effect. “Government has ensured compliance with the legal and policy basis underpinning this declaration, including alignment with the National Road Traffic Act, the Public Protector’s remedial actions, and clarity on the wardens’ scope of authority,” Kubayi said.
Firoz Cachalia, Acting Minister of Police, welcomed the decision, describing it as a decisive intervention that removes long-standing legal and operational uncertainties.
“The declaration officially legalises the status, powers and responsibilities of the Crime Prevention Wardens and clarifies their role within the broader law enforcement and crime prevention architecture of the Province,” Cachalia said.
“The Committee notes the steady decrease in crime statistics in Gauteng and is optimistic that this formalisation will contribute to further reductions. It also enables the wardens to execute their duties lawfully, confidently, and effectively as Peace Officers, strengthening public safety across the province.”
Cachalia highlighted ongoing government interventions to enhance law enforcement, including the procurement of SAPS vehicles, helicopters, drones, panic buttons, and the rollout of CCTV infrastructure across Gauteng.
Guateng Premiere Panyaza Lesufi described the declaration as a victory for integrated crime-fighting.
“This is a victory for the rule of law and for integrated crime fighting that strengthens the hand of the state against criminality,” Lesufi said.
“Every time statistics were released, we knew that crime disproportionately affected housing areas. As the economic hub of our country, we could not fold our arms. When children are killed, women are attacked, and people are harmed while commuting or shopping, decisive action is required.”
The formalisation of the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens as Peace Officers is expected to enhance coordinated law enforcement efforts, improve public safety, and strengthen residents’ confidence in the province’s policing and crime-prevention strategies.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star