In a significant shift for crime prevention in South Africa, the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, known as Amapanyaza, have been officially appointed as peace officers. This move highlights the government’s commitment to curb crime and enhance neighborhood security. The wardens’ new designation is rooted in legal frameworks and could potentially redefine the landscape of community safety in South Africa, with the support of other law enforcement agencies. The introduction of the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens serves as an illustration of how historical and legislative references, coupled with an unwavering commitment to civic safety, can bring about significant changes in law enforcement.
The Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, also known as Amapanyaza, have been renamed Gauteng Traffic Officers by Minister Ronald Lamola, giving them the legal structure to wield the powers of peace officers. This change signifies an endorsement of their crucial role in upholding law and order within the province, which could lead to heightened effectiveness in crime prevention. The decision came after an exhaustive review of the relevant legal frameworks and following a period when the wardens were barred from performing police duties. This strategic move empowers the wardens with a broader legal purview to fulfill their duties and brings renewed hope for a safer Gauteng.
The Western Cape Safety Plan (WCSP) has taken a significant step forward with the graduation of 33 newly trained Peace Officers (POs). These officers, consisting of 14 from the Overstrand municipal area and 19 from the Drakenstein municipal area, represent the government’s commitment to reinforcing municipal law enforcement capacity. The training, resourcing, and development of these officers, costing over R 1.8 million, is aimed at enhancing safety and combatting crime in urban and rural communities.
The Garden Route area in South Africa has been constantly striving to improve its safety measures. In line with this, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Provincial Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Reagen Allen recently celebrated the graduation of 40 Peace Officers (PO’s) in the province. This initiative forms a crucial part of the Western Cape Safety Plan (WCSP).
Mossel Bay and George, two municipalities in South Africa, are celebrating the graduation of 23 Peace Officers (POs), who will contribute to the fight against crime and enhance safety within their communities. With an additional 17 officers set to graduate in Hessequa in May 2023, this marks a significant milestone in the Western Cape Safety Plan (WCSP), aimed at reinforcing Municipal Law Enforcement capacity throughout the Western Cape.