Lesufi welcomes recognition of Amapanyaza as peace officers
Amapanyaza were deployed in townships this year in order to help fight crime in Gauteng. They can now perform duties of peace officers.
Department of Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Ronald Lamola has designated Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, known as Amapanyaza, peace officers.
The wardens were launched earlier this year by the Gauteng Government and are tasked with augmenting crime prevention efforts in the province.
CRIME PREVENTION WARDENS (AMAPANYAZA) ARE PEACE OFFICERS
After graduation, the wardens started reporting for duty in May at a pass-out parade addressed by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi in Soshanguve.
The Department of Justice said Lamola determined in terms of section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977.
Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said after conducting a thorough analysis of the applicable legal frameworks, it was determined that for the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens to exercise peace officer powers, they must assume the same legal status as Gauteng Provincial traffic officers.
Phiri said provincial traffic officers currently carry out their duties within the ambit of their peace officer designation, supported by the necessary legal framework.
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“The government is determined to take every possible measure to prevent crime and safeguard the well-being of our neighbourhoods. Minister Lamola, having engaged both the Minister of Police [General Bheki Cele] and the Premier of Gauteng Province, thanked all the stakeholders for their collaborative and constructive efforts,” Phiri said.
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LESUFI WELCOMES DECISION
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has welcomed the decision.
Lesufi said the announcement finally clarifies the uncertainty over the status of the Crime Prevention Wardens.
“It affirms what we have said all along, that the CPWs are a legal, well-equipped provincial law enforcement body that collaborates with other law enforcement organisations in the province.
“They operate under the supervision of the other law enforcement agencies, i.e., Gauteng Traffic and local authorities,” he said.
Lesufi recently lashed out at a minister he claimed does not want to recognise Amapanyaza and give them powers to fight crime. He further said his days are numbered.
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