Mapaballo Borotho
- The DA in Gauteng is seeking legal advice after AmaPanyaza were declared Peace Officers, raising concerns over the legality of their appointment.
- Justice Minister Mamoloko Kubayi says the move gives wardens limited powers to support crime prevention and traffic enforcement.
- The DA insists the programme remains unlawful, citing warnings from legal experts and the Public Protector.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng is seeking a legal opinion following the declaration of the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, known as AmaPanyaza, as Peace Officers.
DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga said the move was concerning, accusing the Premier Panyaza Lesufi-led government of repeatedly cutting corners in its attempts to legalise the appointment of the wardens.
“This is particularly concerning given that the Premier Panyaza Lesufi-led government has repeatedly cut corners in its attempts to legalise the appointment of the wardens, despite clear warnings from the DA, legal experts, and the Public Protector, who found that an appropriate legislative framework did not underpin the establishment, appointment, and deployment of Amapanyaza,” Msimanga said.
Despite these concerns, Gauteng’s crime prevention wardens, affectionately known as AmaPanyaza, have officially been declared Peace Officers.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mamoloko Kubayi on Friday under Section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1997.
This designation grants the wardens limited legal powers to support law enforcement operations.
“The designation of Traffic Wardens as Peace Officers will enhance their ability to perform specific law enforcement functions, particularly in relation to road safety, traffic-related offences, and crime prevention support. This will contribute to more effective policing, improved compliance with the law, and safer communities,” Kubayi said.
The decision follows a 2025 report by Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, which found that the establishment of the Panyaza wardens was unlawful.
Kubayi said the role of Peace Officers would enhance visibility, improve response capacity, and contribute to the prevention and detection of crime, particularly in high-pressure environments.
“As a government, we remain committed to ensuring that all law enforcement personnel operate within the confines of the law, are properly trained, and are held accountable for their actions. This initiative advances those principles while strengthening our collective ability to maintain law and order,” she added.