New crime prevention wardens took part in a parade at Tsakane Stadium, in Ekurhuleni, in June 2023. Picture: Michel Bega Gauteng’s Crime Prevention Wardens, also known as AmaPanyaza, were officially declared peace officers on Friday. But not everyone is pleased.
The announcement that the AmaPanyaza can now assist the police in their operations was made by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi on Friday. It comes after Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka in October found thedeployment of the Crime Prevention Wardens to be unlawful. The Public Protector found that the Gauteng government was in breach of the Constitution when it established, recruited and deployed the AmaPanyaza.
KZN police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi also told Parliament in October that the unit was illegal and that he had advised against its formation. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi also faced criticism for his role in spearheading the deployment of the wardens. Kubayi said those concerns have now been addressed.
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However, there are still concerns about whether the Amapanyaza officers are properly trained to take part in law enforcement operations. The DA said on Saturday that it is seeking legal opinion on the declaration of AmaPanyaza as peace officers. “This announcement raises serious questions about the processes followed in deciding to confer peace officer status on Amapanyaza. This is particularly concerning given that the Premier Panyaza Lesufi-led government has repeatedly cut corners in its attempts to legalise the appointment of the wardens,” said the DA’s Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga.
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