Legal Status of ‘AmaPanyaza’ Faces Potential Court Challenge

New political entrants, Xiluva, have declared their intention to challenge the conferred legal status of AmaPanyaza legally. Per Jacaranda FM, Justice Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed on Tuesday that these wardens now hold the same legal status as provincial traffic officers, following a request by the Gauteng local government in June.

Xiluva’s leader, Bongani Baloyi, expresses concerns that granting such legal status without the requisite training and appointment poses a risk to the safety of both wardens and residents. Baloyi emphasises the importance of law enforcement officers having undergone proper training to ensure competence and adherence to the law.

Also read: Gauteng’s Top Cop Mawela: Amapanyaza Cannot Serve as Commissioners of Oaths

In response, ActionSA in Gauteng calls for the abolition of crime wardens, asserting that they jeopardise the lives of residents. Funzi Ngobeni, the party’s provincial chairperson, criticises Lamola’s announcement, seeing it as an attempt by the ANC to justify the wardens’ presence in communities.

Simultaneously, Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson Sello Maremane states that training for the wardens will continue, highlighting that both traffic officers and crime prevention wardens are designated as peace officers with powers similar to those of members of the SAPS. Maremane assures that ongoing training is in place to equip wardens with the necessary skills to combat crime effectively.

Also read:

Lesufi Applauds Elevated Status of Amapanyaza to ‘Traffic Officers

Picture: X / Steez0147

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