Lesufi announces reforms to Gauteng’s crime prevention wardens programme

GAUTENG Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced sweeping changes to the province's Crime Prevention Wardens programme, also known as Amapanyaza.

- SIYABONGA SITHOLE

Lesufi addressed the media yesterday on the next phase of the programme amid criticism by KZN Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi at the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee two weeks ago.

Following his remarks that, despite good intentions by Lesufi, the wardens were an “illegal” entity, Lesufi defending the existence of the unit, which was established three years ago.

However, Lesufi stated that their existence had the backing of former Minister of Justice and Constitutional and Constitutional Development, Ronald Lamola, who gave the unit his blessings through legislative provisions in December 2023.