Lesufi Strongly Condemns Assault on Gauteng Traffic Wardens (amapanyaza)
By Mpho Moloi
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has condemned the brutal attack on Gauteng Traffic Wardens also referred to as Amapanyaza , in Reiger Park, Ekurhuleni, on 9 September 2024.
The attack, which was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, shows community members physically assaulting the wardens who were in full uniform during their patrol. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from the Gauteng Provincial Government, with calls for stern action against the perpetrators.
The video, which was posted by anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee, has received widespread attention, drawing over 800,000 views within 24 hours. It shows chaotic scenes where the wardens were punched, kicked, and stomped by residents after they intervened in a dispute between two rival gang members. According to Sello Maremane, a spokesperson for Gauteng Traffic Police, the two suspects who were involved in the fight turned on the wardens and began assaulting them. The police were quick to respond and successfully arrested the two individuals involved in the altercation.
Premier Lesufi strongly condemned the attack, stating, “This incident is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Gauteng. We call on law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators of this violence and anarchy to book.” He emphasized that such incidents pose a threat to law enforcement officers who risk their lives daily to protect communities from criminal elements. Lesufi added that there can be no “no-go areas” for law enforcement while they are carrying out their responsibilities [oai_citation:9,Video Shows Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens Under Attack in Reiger Park, SA Stumped: “Treasonous”.
The Gauteng Department of Community Safety also voiced its concern, urging the public to cooperate with law enforcement officers to root out criminal elements within their communities. The department highlighted the importance of community support in maintaining law and order and reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of all Gauteng residents. They condemned any form of obstruction to the wardens’ duties, noting that attacks on law enforcement officers represent a direct assault on the rule of law.
The recruitment of the Gauteng Traffic Wardens, also known as the Amapanyaza, was part of a broader initiative by the Gauteng government to reduce unemployment and enhance crime prevention. Lesufi’s administration deployed these wardens to different wards and crime hotspots across the province, operating under the supervision of SAPS, Gauteng Traffic, and Metro Police Departments. Beyond addressing crime, this initiative has also created job opportunities for the youth, reducing unemployment rates in the province. However, this latest incident in Reiger Park has drawn attention to the challenges faced by the wardens, particularly the violence they encounter in high-crime areas.
Widespread Reactions on Social Media
Following the circulation of the video, reactions on social media were swift and varied. While many expressed outrage at the violence against the wardens, others raised concerns about the safety and preparedness of the wardens in such volatile environments. One user on X (formerly Twitter) remarked, “We told them you can’t fight crime in South Africa with empty hands. You will be at the receiving end of the violence in communities.” Another user pointed out that the wardens need better protection and support when deployed in high-crime areas [oai_citation:3,Video Shows Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens Under Attack in Reiger Park, SA Stumped: “Treasonous”.
Despite the negative incident, Lesufi remains committed to the wardens’ role in community safety. In a closing statement, he called on all community members to work alongside law enforcement to combat crime, stressing the importance of unity in the province’s fight against criminality. “These senseless attacks must be condemned and stopped. We call on all community members to work with us, not against us, in our efforts to fight crime in the province,” he said.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the assault, with Premier Lesufi and the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety pushing for swift action. Chairperson of the committee, Bandile Masuku, stated that the attack was not only a crime against the individuals involved but also a broader assault on the rule of law. He called on the public to assist law enforcement in their investigation by providing information that could lead to the arrest of additional suspects. The committee also reaffirmed its full support for the Crime Prevention Wardens, asserting that violence against them must be met with the “full might of the law” .
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