Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, has formally declared Gauteng traffic wardens as peace officers in a bid to complement police numbers and boost road safety, traffic enforcement and crime prevention across the province.
He made the announcement at a joint media briefing with Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, and other senior officials in Pretoria on Saturday.
Cachalia described the move as “a significant milestone” in strengthening law enforcement capacity and improving coordination within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster.
He said the declaration followed "extensive consultations and careful consideration of all legal prescripts governing the appointment and designation of peace officers".
The process involved close collaboration between the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the SAPS, the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service (CSPS), the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), and the Gauteng Provincial Government.
"Their engagements ensured that the declaration is lawful, constitutionally sound, and aligned with national policing and criminal justice objectives," said Cachalia.
The wardens assigned this designation – commonly referred to as crime prevention wardens or ‘AmaPanyaza’ in media reports – have completed required training and assessments.
“They have been found to be competent, capable, and are adequately prepared to execute their duties within the scope of the law."
Cachalia said their training focused on supporting law enforcement "while respecting human rights, due process and the rule of law".
Their new status will allow wardens to perform law enforcement functions, particularly related to road safety, traffic-related offences and crime prevention support.
"This will contribute to more effective policing, improved compliance with the law, and safer communities.”
The initiative underscores cooperative governance as outlined in the Constitution.
"Cooperative governance requires all spheres and organs of state to work together in mutual trust and good faith, coordinating their actions and legislation to serve the people of South Africa effectively."
He said the peace officers would act as a "force multiplier" for SAPS, assisting with law enforcement within their designated powers.
"Their role enhances visibility, improves response capacity, and contributes to the prevention and detection of crime, particularly in high-pressure environments such as our road networks.
"As government, we remain committed to ensuring that all law enforcement personnel operate within the confines of the law, are properly trained, and are held accountable for their actions. This initiative advances those principles while strengthening our collective ability to maintain law and order."
The declaration, gazetted under section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act, resolves prior uncertainties around the wardens' status and empowers them to support safety objectives on the province’s transport corridors.
