AmaPanyaza deployed to Braamfontein by acting mayor

The dark green overalls of the Gauteng crime wardens, AmaPanyaza may be a usual sight to see in Braamfontein following the death of a University of Johannesburg student. That’s if acting Joburg mayor Loyiso Masuku’s request is approved.

According to The Citizen, Masuku is engaging with provincial government to get the wardens, popularly known as AmaPanyaza, to patrol and combat crime in the area.

AMAPANYAZA NEEDED TO ENSURE STUDENT SAFETY IN BRAAMFONTEIN

The student was caught by a stray bullet, while another student was also injured in the incident and is in hospital. Police say the shooting is related to taxi violence. Two other victims, who are taxi owners, were also killed.

The acting mayor says student safety in Braamfontein cannot be compromised.

“We can never compromise on security for our students. We have to look at measures like having a satellite police station and engaging the premier about the Mapanya Panya patrolling the area,” she says.

SANTACO ON VIOLENCE

Meanwhile, South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) says it is concerned about its members resorting to this kind of violence.

Speaking to eNCA, Santaco spokesperson Brenda Phala says a prayer against violence was held last year.

“The council is quite concerned. the situation and relation to violence is very rife,” says Phala. (sic)

“Just last year during Transport Month, we saw the council president calling a prayer day against violence, GBV and other social ills.”