DA justified after PP finds crime prevention wardens unit was irregular

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it feels vindicated by the Public Protector’s report, which found the establishment of the Gauteng crime prevention wardens was irregular.

The Chapter 9 institution released a scathing report on Wednesday, focusing on the legality of the unit. It concluded that the establishment of the unit was not supported by any constitutional mandate.

Just hours before the Public Protector released the report on the legality of what was informally known as “Amapanyaza”, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi convened a media briefing. At the briefing, he announced the disbandment of the unit.

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Lesufi stated that the crime prevention wardens need to undergo further training following concerns about their inadequate readiness to address crime-related issues. However, the Public Protector’s report went further, concluding that the unit’s establishment had no legal mandate.

Following the report, the DA in Gauteng announced at a media briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday that it has submitted a no-confidence motion against the Premier.

DA Gauteng Leader Solly Msimanga said Lesufi must admit that the entire initiative was flawed.

"When we questioned him about it, he announced at the state of the province address that the crime prevention wardens are now permanently employed. How were they permanently employed if the training they received was not accredited?" Msimanga asked.

Earlier this month, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi also expressed concerns in Parliament over the legality of the “Amapanyaza” unit.

The DA in Gauteng is further calling on Lesufi to account for the funds spent on the crime prevention wardens.

Msimanga emphasised that Lesufi must take responsibility for what he described as reckless spending.

“What the public should be asking is, 'What has happened to the money that has been spent? Who has benefited from this? Why weren’t the right steps followed?' He now says this thing is going to be phased out. Who must then carry the cost?” wondered Msimanga.