Joint media briefing on the declaration of Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens as Peace Officers
Good Afternoon
This media briefing is convened jointly by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development, the Ministry of Police, and the Gauteng Provincial Government to provide an update on government’s response to the request by the Office of the Premier of Gauteng Province to declare Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, commonly known as Amapanyaza, as Peace Officers in terms of section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977.
The Public Protector, Adv Gcaleka, released a report on the issue on 22 October 2025, the investigation was as a result of a Complaint lodged on 27 September 2023 by Advocate Paul Hoffman, Director for Accountability Now, which related to allegations concerning the establishment, appointment, and deployment of Crime Prevention Wardens within the Gauteng Provincial Government.
The Public Protector found that the establishment, appointment, and deployment of Traffic Wardens were not underpinned by an appropriate legislative framework providing guidance on the category of officers, their appointment, training, powers, and functions.
As a result, remedial action was directed to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, the Minister of Police, and the Premier of Gauteng to take the necessary steps to assist and support one another to ensure that any continued utilisation of these officials is lawful. The remedial action was to be implemented within thirty days of receipt of the report, unfortunately we were not able to meet the deadline and the technical teams have been engaging with the team at Public Protector on the progress work.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development convened a meeting between her Department, Department of Police led by Minister Cachalia and Gauteng Province led by Premier Lesufi on 20 January 2026, to discuss the implementation of the remedial actions arising from the Public Protector’s findings and an implementation plan.
That meeting resolved that section 3A(1)(b) of the National Road Traffic Act is the appropriate legislative framework for the appointment of Traffic Wardens. It was further agreed that the notice to declare these Wardens as Peace Officers must be aligned with the functions and duties of Traffic Wardens as provided for in the National Road Traffic Act and its regulations.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development received a revised request from the Office of the Premier, dated 21 January 2026, requesting the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to declare Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens as Peace Officers in terms of section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, in order to assist in enforcing safety and security for the residents of Gauteng Province.
Section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act vests the authority in the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to declare categories of persons as Peace Officers by notice in the Government Gazette, to define the scope of their powers, prescribe conditions for certification, and regulate accountability.
This declaration process is therefore a statutory responsibility of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development, exercised in consultation with the Ministry of Police and in accordance with the law. Government wishes to inform the public and most importantly those individuals who have been affected by this uncertainty, that the remedial measures directed by the Public Protector have been acted upon and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development has Gazetted and declared the Gauteng traffic wardens as Peace Officers and therefore making the lawful to operate.
Government has worked collaboratively across spheres to address the legal deficiencies identified and to align the process with the applicable legislative framework. In this regard, over 9000 wardens will be declared Peace Officers.
Government further confirms that training is a critical requirement in the process of declaring any category of persons as Peace Officers. Such training must attest to the competency of individuals to exercise powers contemplated in section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, and is considered by the Minister of Police when assessing requests for declaration.
We confirm that the Wardens are currently undergoing a second phase of training to qualify in line with their designated functions, following recommendations contained in the relevant technical report. This process is being undertaken alongside engagements with relevant stakeholders to ensure full compliance with all legal and statutory requirements.
Government further emphasises that Peace Officers may only exercise powers within a specified jurisdiction, in relation to defined offences, and strictly within the scope set out in the declaration published in the Government Gazette. These duties may only be exercised when an officer is properly appointed and in possession of a valid certificate of appointment, failing which any action taken has no legal force or effect.
Government has therefore ensured compliance with the legal and policy basis underpinning this declaration, including alignment with the National Road Traffic Act, 1996, the steps taken to give effect to the Public Protector’s remedial actions, and clarity on the scope of authority, powers, and limitations applicable to the Wardens.
We have today submitted the report to the Public Protector together with an apology for the delay in the implementation of the remedial action as it required through work and consultation with all departments involved.
Through this declaration and the announcement today, government will strengthen the broader intergovernmental approach to crime prevention and community safety.
Government Gazette: Criminal Procedure Act (51/1977): Declaration of Peace Officers in terms of Section 334 of the Act: Gauteng Traffic Wardens, GG 54049, RG 7063, 30 January 2026
Enquiries:
Spokesperson
Elijah Mhlanga
Cell: 083 580 8275
Spokesperson
Terrence Manase
Cell: 082 338 6707
Spokesperson
Kamogelo Mogotsi
Cell: 076 523 0085
#GovZAUpdates
