Lesufi pulls the plug on AmaPanyaza, to be retrained as traffic officers

October 22, 2025 131

Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, has announced that the Crime Prevention Wardens Programme — commonly known as AmaPanyaza — will be disbanded to allow members to undergo formal training and transition into provincial traffic officers.

Introduced in 2023 to support law enforcement efforts, the programme has faced controversy, with critics questioning the wardens’ training and legal status. That same year, then Justice Minister Ronald Lamola designated them as peace officers, but concerns over their legitimacy persisted.

Lesufi says the disbandment will be rolled out in phases over the next 36 months, to ensure members are properly trained and integrated into permanent law enforcement structures.

Speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday, Lesufi confirmed that in partnership with the Border Management Authority, about 100 wardens will soon undergo specialised training to help manage entry points ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg next month.

He added that others will be absorbed into the Gauteng Traffic Police, while those who qualify will be deployed to assist municipalities with bylaw enforcement.

Despite the decision to disband the programme, Lesufi highlighted a 7.9% drop in crime during the last quarter, attributing part of the progress to the wardens’ work on the ground.

He said the wardens played a meaningful role in reducing crime and supporting police operations, even without being armed.

The Premier also commented on the Madlanga Commission, which is probing political and criminal infiltration within the justice system, urging police officers to remain focused on fighting crime in communities and not be distracted by the proceedings.

Lesufi reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening law enforcement coordination and tackling corruption, including the ongoing investigations into irregularities at Tembisa Hospital.

MEDIA STATEMENT | Premier Panyaza Lesufi gives update on the status of Gauteng Traffic Wardens.
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— Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) October 22, 2025