More than 9,000 Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens officially declared peace officers

The police ministry said the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens who have been granted peace officer status have undergone all necessary training. 
 
On Friday, more than 9,000 wardens were declared peace officers.
 
The declaration follows a recent Public Protector report that found the establishment of the wardens unlawful. 
 
Informally known as AmaPanyaza, the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens were established under much scrutiny. 
 
There were questions over their lack of training and the legal framework used to establish them. 
 
In October 2025, the Public Protector found that they were unlawfully constituted and should never have been deployed to the frontlines of fighting crime.
 
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said the decision to designate the wardens as peace officers was not taken lightly. 
 
“Importantly, the Gauteng Traffic Wardens who will be declared as Peace Officers today [Friday] have undergone the necessary training and assessment. They have been found to be competent, capable, and are adequately prepared to execute their duties within the scope of the law. 

“Their training equips them to support law enforcement efforts while respecting human rights, due process, and the rule of law.”
 
Cachalia said the newly formed peace officers will be a force multiplier in the government’s effort to fight crime.