Johannesburg, 22 October 2025 — Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced that the province’s Crime Prevention Wardens, popularly known as Amapanyaza, will be disbanded and retrained to become fully fledged Traffic Officers in accordance with the National Road Traffic Act.
The transformation will be implemented in a phased approach over the next 36 months, marking a significant shift in the province’s approach to community safety and law enforcement.
Addressing the media this week, Lesufi said the decision forms part of efforts to strengthen the role of Traffic Wardens and enhance their contribution to public safety. The Premier stressed that the move is designed to professionalise the unit and align it with national policing standards.
“This decision is not about dismantling the progress we have made with Amapanyaza, but about consolidating and professionalising their functions,” said Lesufi. “We want them to operate fully within the framework of the law, with the right training and authority to make a meaningful difference on our roads and in our communities.”
The Crime Prevention Wardens were initially established to support the South African Police Service (SAPS), particularly in communities with limited police visibility, rather than to replace or duplicate the role of the national police. Their responsibilities included patrols, community engagement, and assisting in crime prevention initiatives across Gauteng’s townships and informal settlements.
In December 2023, the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, designated the wardens as peace officers under Section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1977. This legal designation granted them specific powers to enforce certain laws and maintain public order.
However, their role has often been the subject of debate, with questions raised about their training, legal mandate, and the sustainability of the initiative.
Lesufi emphasised that the retraining process will ensure the wardens operate under a clear legal and administrative structure. Once qualified as Traffic Officers, they will be empowered to enforce road safety laws, conduct traffic operations, and contribute to reducing accidents and fatalities on Gauteng’s roads.
“We remain committed to working with national departments to finalise operational protocols and ensure that our wardens continue to contribute effectively and lawfully to public safety,” Lesufi added.
The Premier said the province’s long-term goal is to build a cohesive, professional, and accountable safety framework that strengthens the partnership between provincial law enforcement and the SAPS.
The move marks a new chapter for Amapanyaza, who have become a visible presence in many communities since their introduction. As they transition into Traffic Officers, the Gauteng government aims to integrate them more seamlessly into the province’s broader law enforcement ecosystem.
While the process will take place gradually over the next three years, Lesufi said the province is committed to ensuring that no member of the unit is left behind during the transformation.
“We want to assure our communities that Amapanyaza are not being abandoned. They are evolving — from community wardens to trained, recognised law enforcement officers who will continue to serve with pride and discipline,” Lesufi concluded.
The retraining and reclassification initiative is expected to begin in early 2026, with the first cohort of wardens entering accredited training programmes before deployment under the new Traffic Directorate structure.
