'AmaPanyaza' have arrested more than 25k people since establishment in 2023 - Lesufi

JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng crime prevention wardens have arrested more than 25,000 people since their establishment in 2023.

Informally known as AmaPanyaza, the wardens programme was conceived by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to assist with the growing levels of crime in the province.

However, opposition parties have raised concerns over the inadequate training for the wardens and also the financial cost to the provincial government.

Responding to questions at the Gauteng legislature on Tuesday, Lesufi said the wardens had contributed to the recent decrease in crime and road fatalities in the province.

"Indicating our commitments to have boots on the ground and to provide additional support to the SAPS [South African Police Service] within wards and CBD, and also to provide visibility in sporting events, ensuring that people attending sporting events are not mugged or their cellphones taken. Also providing essential infrastructure support in patrolling strategic infrastructure areas."

Lesufi said the provincial government was committed to providing further training to the wardens.

"I’m in deep discussion with the minister of police and his advisers to determine the next level of training according to the approval that we are still awaiting to ensure they are trained according to the capabilities and gaps identified by the SAPS [South African Police Service]."