The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng notes with concern recent revelations purporting that the Gauteng Traffic Warden (GTWs) unit, popularly referred to as the Crime Prevention Wardens or “AmaPanyaza”, is unlawful and not sanctioned under the South African Police Service Act. We demand that Premier Panyaza Lesufi clarify the legitimacy and lawfulness of the GTWs. He must specifically explain why, despite his countless promises, the wardens remain non-accredited, non-fully trained as peace officers, and not permanently employed.
The DA has consistently raised serious concerns regarding the legality and legitimacy of the GTWs. From the outset, we questioned the timing of their launch, which was conveniently rolled out on the eve of the 2024 General Elections. We questioned where the budget for this unfunded mandate would come from and expressed concerns about the lack of preparedness and training for the members of this programme, putting their lives at risk. We also highlighted the unclearly defined roles in crime prevention.
Despite these concerns, Lesufi forged ahead with this programme, dismissing all our sensible concerns. During the 2024 State of the Province Address (SOPA), he misled Gauteng residents and prospective crime prevention wardens by stating that over 6,000 trained crime prevention wardens are now permanently employed. However, during his oral response to our questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), he stated that for the crime prevention wardens to be employed permanently, they needed to undergo further training to become peace officers.
Currently, GTWs are not permanently employed, and the reason is simple: they do not meet the requirements to become permanently employed peace officers. Additionally, they have not received proper training, which prevents them from being accredited. What has come to light is that they were taken to a facility in Pretoria for training, only to be mistreated and given no medical assistance and had to seek support from their families.
Furthermore, the DA has it in good authority that there is uneasiness in their relationship with SAPS, whereby they sometimes conduct illegal traffic stops because SAPS members refuse to collaborate with them, leaving them exposed to attacks.
The DA will table questions to Premier Lesufi seeking clarity on the legality of the GTWs, the number of GTWs attacked or died on duty, the nature and extent of the training the GTWs have received, including who conducted this training; the number of GTWs trained to handle firearms, and the accredited body that has provided or authorised such firearms training and certification.
A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would have replicated the LEAP programme in the Western Cape, which has seen huge inroads in reducing crime. This programme would have been implemented as part of the provincial crime prevention strategy and peace officers employed to fight crime. We would ensure that these officers are present where they are needed most in our communities, rather than used as a personal squad for a premier.