Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Jacob Mamabolo, has defended the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens and their impact on crime prevention measures taken by the province to protect its citizens.

KZN provincial police commissioner Lieutenant Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi criticized the crime wardens last week. Despite acknowledging Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s good intentions in establishing the unit, Mkhwanazi maintained that the provincial force is unconstitutional.

Last week, Mkhwanazi told the Ad Hoc Committee, which is currently investigating corruption in the police service, that the entity of wardens, also called “AmaPanyaza” or Gauteng Traffic Wardens, is illegal.

Mkhwanazi received criticism from the ANC and other quarters when he told MPs that he had strongly objected during a meeting of the SAPS Board of Commissioners (BoC) to the establishment of the unit, arguing that the structure was not sanctioned by law — a view later supported by SAPS Legal Services.

However, responding to this characterisation, Lesufi revealed that the unit was given the green light by the then minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ronald Lamola, who officially designated the wardens as peace officers in December 2023.

The MEC said there should be more appreciation for the work that this unit is doing as a vital force multiplier in the ongoing fight against crime and efforts to enhance public safety across the province.

“On the issues relating to the Crime Prevention Wardens, I must say that we are very proud of the good work that they are doing. They are playing a very critical role on the ground. They are doing quite a very excellent job to make sure that we improve the safety of our people. While this initiative has not been long, we are proud of the impact it is making on the ground,” he said.

Mamabolo said the wardens, working with other provincial law enforcement units and agencies, are critical to the safety of the province and its citizens.

On Thursday, Mamabolo, alongside other provincial MECs, including MEC for transport, Kedibone Tlabela-Diale, briefed the media on the implementation of the provincial government’s key priorities at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.

On the challenges of dealing with organised crime, MEC Mamabolo said they have the Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP) and other units for this type of crime.

“The Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP) airwing is a vital force in dealing with violent and organised crimes in the province. Coordinated operations involving various role players such as SAPS, Directorate for Priority Investigation (DPCI), and private security companies have yielded positive results in executing intelligence-led operations,” he added.

MEC Mamabolo also committed his department to working with other departments to improve efficiencies on service delivery.

“The Gauteng Provincial Government reaffirms its commitment to build safer communities following Exco resolutions on improving safety in Gauteng. The provincial government will continue to use integrated crime prevention strategies to enhance law enforcement efforts, visibility, and safety of the public.”

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za

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