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Lesufi deploys groundbreaking 6,000 crime prevention wardens in Gauteng

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PHUTI MOSOMANE

THE Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, has announced the deployment of 6,000 crime prevention wardens in the province, who will be supported by high-tech tools to combat crime.

The Gauteng Provincial Government has prioritized the fight against crime as its top priority.

Lesufi unveiled the new crime-busting unit, the Crime Prevention Wardens, at the Giant Stadium in Soshanguve on Sunday. In addition, Lesufi unveiled two helicopters, drones, and 200 state-of-the-art cars that are equipped with panic button systems.

During the event, he also announced that the province has fulfilled its commitment to providing e-panic buttons and other crime prevention measures to vulnerable groups.

Lesufi addressed hundreds of residents who were present at the stadium.

“The people of Gauteng are tired of crime. We are sending a strong message to criminals and communities. We are saying that gone are the days where you phone a police station requesting for protection and police stations will say, we don’t have cars,” said Lesufi. 

The Crime Prevention Wardens, who took an oath of office on Sunday, will begin their work in police stations and communities starting from May 1st.

Lesufi noted that some police stations have been identified as hotspots due to the high levels of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) being reported.

To ensure the safety of residents, CCTV cameras will be installed in townships throughout the province.

Lesufi also mentioned that helicopters and drones will be continuously deployed to monitor all regions in Gauteng.

Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko, stated that the provincial government has spent approximately R450 million on the Crime Prevention Wardens program.

She mentioned that a significant portion of this funding has been allocated to accommodation, cars, and food, among other things.

The Crime Prevention Wardens will be officially recognized as Peace Officers under Section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

She said they will be empowered to write affidavits that can be used in a court of law. 

Thokozani Masilela, the Gauteng Community Police Forum Board Chairperson, urged the newly appointed Crime Prevention Wardens to uphold high levels of discipline and remain incorruptible.

He expressed his confidence that the dream of a crime-free province is gradually becoming a reality and urged the wardens to play their part in making it a success.

“The dream of a crime-free province is becoming a reality, maintain high discipline and remain incorruptible,” he said.

Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale urged Gauteng to keep the flag high in the fight against crime high.

A 29-years fromer call center agent and now crime waren, Kgomotso Mabusela, told Inside Politics that she believes she will make a difference in communities. 

“I am deployed at the North Corridor and my job is to protect the most vulnerable in our communities including women and children,” she said.

Another warden, Matome Molokomme, 38, and a former community patroller in the crime hotspot of Sunnyside in Tshwane, said he has “gained both practical and theory in fighting crime during training”

Head of Gauteng Department of Community Safety, Nontsikelelo, Sisulu told Inside Politics that every effort was in delivering the best teams and individuals. 

Sisulu believes other provinces can learn from Gauteng and deliver promises on time.


Gauteng Premier Panyaza at the Gaint Stadium Soshanguve for the pass out parade ceremony of the Crime Prevention Wardens.PHOTO: Jo’burg Metro Police Department

INSIDE POLITICS 

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