The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety welcomes and commends the decision by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Honourable Mmamoloko Kubayi, to declare Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens as Peace Officers in terms of Section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977.
This decisive intervention officially legalises the status, powers and responsibilities of the Crime Prevention Wardens and gives clarity to their role within the broader law enforcement and crime prevention architecture of the Province.
The Committee notes that this decision follows concerns raised by the Public Protector regarding the establishment, appointment and deployment of the Crime Prevention Wardens in Gauteng.
The Committee is pleased that this declaration brings finality to the legal and operational uncertainties that have surrounded the Crime Prevention Wardens since their inception. Importantly, it now enables them to execute their duties lawfully, confidently and effectively as Peace Officers, thereby strengthening crime prevention efforts and enhancing public safety across Gauteng.
The Committee has further noted the steady decrease in crime statistics in the Province and is optimistic that the formalisation of the Wardens’ status will further contribute to sustained reductions in crime. This move is expected to strengthen coordinated law enforcement efforts and ensure that residents of Gauteng are and feel, safe at all times.
The Portfolio Committee also takes this opportunity to extend its appreciation to the Gauteng Provincial Government for its continued commitment and significant investments in the fight against crime. These interventions include, among others, the procurement of additional SAPS vehicles, helicopters, drones, panic buttons and the rollout of CCTV camera infrastructure across the Province.
The Committee reiterates its support for initiatives that strengthen the rule of law, promote accountability and enhance integrated approaches to community safety, and will continue to exercise its oversight role to ensure that these measures yield tangible benefits for the people of Gauteng.
ISSUED BY GPL’S MEDIA SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY SAFETY, HONOURABLE BANDILE MASUKU
