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Gauteng’s Crime Prevention Wardens
The Public Protector (PP) has released a report on allegations of irregularities in the establishment, appointment, and deployment of Gauteng’s Crime Prevention Wardens (CPW), also known as Amapanyaza, an initiative led by Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
The investigation, prompted by a complaint from Advocate Paul Hoffman, found that the Gauteng Department of Community Safety acted without an empowering legal framework, resulting in maladministration.
The scathing report found that the recruitment and deployment of 6 000 CPWs were not supported by any empowering legislation.
Despite lacking legal authority, the CPWs participated in over 51 000 police operations between May and September 2023, including arrests and searches.
WATCH | Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka says the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, known as Amapanyaza, were established not in line with the applicable legislation. pic.twitter.com/dvU6ROMu6q
— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 22, 2025
The Department’s application to designate CPWs as peace officers was rejected by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development due to the absence of a legal framework.
The Public Protector concluded that the Department’s actions violated constitutional provisions and the rule of law.
The PP report recommends that the Gauteng Premier and relevant stakeholders take corrective action within 180 days to ensure CPWs are lawfully appointed as traffic wardens under the National Road Traffic Act. The report also calls for improved training and compliance measures to prevent future irregularities.
The Public Protector has emphasised the importance of adhering to the rule of law and cooperative governance to address the issue effectively.
The Premier and other stakeholders are required to submit an action plan within 30 days to implement the remedial actions.
