Lesufi reassures crime wardens of job security after Public Protector order

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has moved to assure his crime prevention wardens that they will not lose their jobs. This comes as the unit’s establishment has been called into question, following an order by the Public Protector for it to be restructured differently.

Last month, a report by the Public Protector, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, said Lesufi's establishment of the provincial crime-fighting unit popularly known as “AmaPanyaza” was illegal, adding that the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens were established unlawfully.

The public outcry surrounding the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, affectionately known as “AmaPanyaza”, was reignited following a directive from the Public Protector, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, insisting on a restructuring of the unit.

In her statement last month, Gcaleka declared the establishment of AmaPanyaza unlawful, giving the Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, a strict 30-day timeline to collaborate with the Gauteng Provincial Government to secure the wardens’ future as traffic officers.

Additionally, the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, under MEC Faith Mazibuko, was tasked with implementing immediate measures to prevent delays in the wardens’ transition, as well as ensuring adequate training aimed at enhancing the officers' skills.

Furthermore, the report stated that the head of the Gauteng Department of Community Safety has 60 days to ensure that the department's traffic officers receive adequate education and training.

The report directed that this training should ideally be conducted by legal personnel to enhance the officers' capacity, enabling them to execute their duties efficiently and competently.

Lesufi, who addressed members of the unit during an event held to explain the next step towards this, assured them of their jobs, saying this operational repositioning will not affect their livelihoods.

The Premier has expressed his gratitude at the demonstrable efforts by the traffic wardens, saying: “The relationship that I have with you is not the relationship of friendship. The relationship that I have with you is not the relationship of broeskaap. It is a relationship to keep our province clean against criminals.”

Lesufi said, despite the challenges, the wardens have been instrumental in keeping the streets of Johannesburg crime-free.

“I am proud today that the CBD of Johannesburg is safe. People could not even use their phones; today, they can do so freely because of your hard work. I am proud today that those who have stolen cars, running away from law enforcement agencies, they found you there, waiting for them in your deployment,” he added.

He further explained that a process is currently underway with the Minister of Police, the Minister of Justice, and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to address matters raised in the Public Protector's report.