-
Gauteng’s Crime Prevention Wardens
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi has officially declared Gauteng’s Crime Prevention Wardens commonly known as AmaPanyaza as peace officers.
Kubayi made the announcement under Section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1977, giving the wardens limited legal powers to support law‑enforcement operations.
The decision follows a 2025 report by the Public Protector, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, which found the establishment of the wardens to be unlawful.
Kubayi says the new declaration now regularises their role, and allows the wardens to continue assisting police in crime‑fighting efforts across the province.
“This declaration process is therefore a statutory responsibility of the ministry of justice and it is exercised is consultation with ministry of police and in accordance with the law. Government wishes to inform the public and those individuals affected by this uncertainty that remedial action by the public protector have been acted upon. And following the gazette by [the] Minister, peace officers will now fulfill their responsibilities,” explains Kubayi.
VIDEO | Media briefing on developments of Crime Prevention Wardens as Peace Officers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB3l1NqWdvY
