By Dylan Bettencourt
- Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says he will not disband AmaPanyaza wardens, despite a Public Protector report finding their recruitment and deployment unlawful.
- The Democratic Alliance has filed a motion of no confidence after R170-million was spent on the unit, which Lesufi insists makes Gauteng safer.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi has pledged to stand by Gauteng’s AmaPanyaza wardens, even after the Public Protector found the crime-fighting unit was created illegally.
Speaking to supporters in Johannesburg, Lesufi said: “Where you’re going to die, I’m going to die with you. I’ll never abandon you.” He praised the wardens for helping clean up Gauteng’s streets, saying Johannesburg’s city centre is safer because of them.
Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka’s report found there was no legal basis for the hiring, training or deployment of over 8,900 wardens. The investigation revealed that the programme cost more than R170-million, covering uniforms, vehicles, helicopters and drones.
Lesufi said the wardens have achieved results without carrying guns, taking weapons from criminals and recovering stolen cars.
The Democratic Alliance has filed a motion of no confidence in Lesufi following the report.
The Gauteng government says the wardens have now been reclassified as traffic officers and will complete 36 months of training to become Gauteng Traffic Police.
In December 2023, former justice minister Ronald Lamola granted them “peace officer” status, but they still lack firearms and full policing powers.
Pictured above: Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
Image source: @Lesufi
