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Gauteng’s new crime prevention wardens: Are they the solution to the province’s crime epidemic?
Yesterday, 3,000 newly graduated Crime Prevention Wardens (CPWs) reported for duty in Gauteng. They will be deployed to crime hotspots across the province and work with communities, schools, community patrollers, and law enforcement agencies (LEA) to eliminate lawlessness, vandalism, and community corruption.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi stated that the wardens would use e-Policing solutions such as drones, CCTVs, helicopters, e-panic buttons, and high patrol vehicles to respond to crime incidents, including car hijackings, robberies, murder, and gender-based violence (GBV), among others.
The wardens are recognised as Peace Officers and have powers that include arresting without a warrant, obtaining a name and address, executing warrants, and appearing in court as witnesses.
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Lesufi also stated that the department would procure locally manufactured vehicles to fight crime and enable the wardens to patrol communities. He said they had received many applications for the programme, confirmed the trainees’ South African and Gauteng resident status, and verified their criminal records.
Lesufi warned the wardens not to take bribes and committed to prioritising the police stations with high crime rates where the wardens will go. The force will have two shifts, 6 am to 6 pm and 6 pm to 6 am.
When Lesufi took office in October 2022, he committed to fighting crime, lawlessness, and vandalism. The public can contact the warden programme on the Premier’s hotline at 0800 228827.
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Picture: Twitter / AdvoBarryRoux
