By Marcus Moloko
The Gauteng government’s controversial Crime Prevention Wardens, popularly known as AmaPanyaza, have officially been declared peace officers under Section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1977.
The announcement, made by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi on Friday, regularises the role of more than 9,000 wardens who were previously found to have been unlawfully appointed.
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The move comes after the Public Protector, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, issued a damning report in October 2025, ruling that the establishment of the wardens was irregular and unlawful.
The report flagged serious legal flaws in their deployment, including the absence of statutory authority and inadequate training.
The declaration now seeks to address those concerns, granting the wardens limited powers to support law enforcement operations across Gauteng.
By invoking Section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act, Kubayi has given the wardens authority to enforce traffic laws, assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) in crime prevention, and maintain public order under defined conditions.
Kubayi said the decision was aimed at “fixing flaws flagged in the Public Protector’s report” and ensuring that the wardens operate within the law.
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“Government has worked collaboratively across spheres to address the legal deficiencies identified and align the process with the applicable legislative framework,” she stated.
Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, welcomed the announcement, saying: “We are here to formally declare Gauteng Traffic Wardens as peace officers, in line with the applicable legislative framework of the Republic of South Africa.”
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who has championed the initiative since its inception, expressed relief at the legal recognition of the wardens.
“This is a decisive milestone against crime. Gauteng remains at the epicentre of criminal activity, and these wardens will provide much-needed support. At the same time, the programme creates permanent jobs for youth, offering dignity and opportunity,” Lesufi said.
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