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Civil rights organisation AfriForum, has questioned Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s intentions, after the latest scandal surrounding his so-called "Crime Prevention Wardens" initiative. AfriForum is alarmed by the evident lack of transparency, integrity, and due process in the recruitment and training of these wardens, tasked with safeguarding the province.

AfriForum is particularly troubled by the numerous reports and allegations indicating widespread corruption and misrepresentation in the recruitment process of these Crime Prevention Wardens. Insiders have now come forward, citing serious discrepancies and irregularities in the application process, as reported by the media. There are also reports of individuals buying their way into the program, compromising the entire initiative’s integrity. This also exposes the citizens of Gauteng to poorly trained and potentially unqualified individuals posing as law enforcement agents. It is also unfair towards the candidates who now have a false sense of security and confidence while doing their work. 

It is increasingly clear that Premier Lesufi is prioritizing political expediency over genuine public safety. The rapid and questionable expansion of these Crime Prevention Wardens, despite their apparent lack of proper training and legitimate background checks, raises serious concerns about the true intentions behind this initiative. Rather than addressing the root causes of crime, Lesufi’s strategy appears to be a desperate attempt to gain political favor.

Reports of abuses of power by these wardens have also surfaced. Wardens have been granted full police powers despite ongoing irregularities. The brutal assault of a young man in Katlehong by wardens in August 2023 is a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by unaccountable and inadequately trained law enforcement officers. These incidents reflect a broader pattern of unchecked power and inadequate oversight, which can only lead to further erosion of public trust in law enforcement, the last thing that law enforcement in South Africa now needs.

“I am sure that there are dedicated individuals among these wardens, who signed up for the right reasons. Unfortunately the entire recruitment and training process has been questionable, tarnishing the entire units image. The responsible thing to do, would be to immediately halt the deployment of these Crime Prevention Wardens and conduct a comprehensive, independent investigation into the recruitment and training process. Unfortunately transparency and accountability are not words easily associated with Premier Lesufi” says Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety.

“Furthermore, we urge the public to remain vigilant and demand that politicians prioritise genuine, long-term solutions to crime over short-term political gains. Gauteng deserves a crime prevention strategy rooted in integrity, transparency, and respect for the rule of law not one built on political grandstanding and dangerous shortcuts” concludes Broodryk.

Issued by AfriForum