Another video has emerged of the three female Gauteng crime prevention wardens beating up a resident.

PUSHING AND SHOVING

Known as Amapanyaza, the four female wardens are seen shoving and pushing a woman, before one of them gives her a hot klap in Johannesburg CBD.

The incident follows the call from the Democratic Alliance (DA) for the Public Protector to investigate Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's Nasi Ispani programme.

DA's Gauteng Shadow MEC for Community Safety, Crezane Bosch, said Amapanyaza were abusing their powers. "The DA vehemently denounces this flagrant abuse of power by the wardens and insists on a thorough investigation into the matter. It is unacceptable that the crime prevention wardens, entrusted with the vital task of ensuring the safety and security of Gauteng residents are being violent against the people they must protect. This is one of many incidents reported about the wardens misusing their powers which should be denounced, and they must be held to account.The DA has consistently flagged the lack of training of these wardens and reported that rather than enforcing the law many of them were causing panic and wreaking havoc in our communities," he said.

 
WATCH: Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's Crime Prevention Wardens (Amapanyaza) caught on video assaulting a defenseless woman! DA in Gauteng demands immediate investigation, accountability & justice for the victim. The party says Wardens are meant to protect, not perpetuate… pic.twitter.com/Rr0M40wDZh
— BEAST OF NEWS (@EversonLuhanga) August 8, 2024
 

FIGHTING CRIME

Bosch said that during a recent Community Safety Committee meeting in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, the DA raised a crucial questions regarding the impact of these crime prevention wardens on fighting crime in Gauteng. "Unfortunately there was no clear answer. This led us to examine the crime statistics and we found that since the crime wardens were hired on 1 May 2023, crime has increased. Currently, Gauteng ranks number one in the country in crime categories such as community-reported serious crimes, contact crime, rape, robbery and others. A DA government would reduce crime by implementing a programme similar to the one in the Western Cape called the LEAP programme to increase police presence. Unlike the Amapanyaza, those working under this programme are properly trained and do not abuse the power bestowed upon them," he said. Bosch said they will monitor this issue to ensure that the crime prevention wardens implicated in assaulting a woman are held accountable. In a tweet, the Department of Community Safety said, "The @GP_CommSafety has taken note of the video currently circulating on social media depicting an altercation involving Gauteng Traffic Wardens and a member of the community. We are investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident to ensure that the appropriate actions are taken. The department reiterates its commitment to serving the community with respect and fairness, and we will not tolerate any conduct that undermines these values."