By: Natasha Archary

R450 million was spent by the Gauteng Provincial Government on the province’s Crime Prevention Wardens.
The new “crime-busting” unit is according to Premier Panyaza Lesufi going to make a huge difference in combatting crime and bringing criminals to book.
Parading the fully-kitted crime fighters on Freedom Day, Lesufi defended the decision to splurge on helicopters, drones and BMW patrol vehicles for the “young, fit and agile” new crime fighting recruits.
But, South Africans were outraged that some of the recruits were unfit, overweight and looked ill-equipped to tackle crime.
Lesufi, however warned people against body shaming, calling the discriminatory act as dangerous as racism or sexism.
Listen to the conversation on Kaya Drive:
Michelin Man also Made it 👀👀👀! pic.twitter.com/vaaIjhqLe8
— David Mogashoa (@DavidMogashoa) May 1, 2023
The Premier shared a video of one of the overweight Crime Prevention Warden’s training session.
Mahlatse Tseko is according to Lesufi one of the most dedicated members of the unit, having fought crime voluntarily for years before joining Gauteng’s Crime Prevention team.
Ridicule over the crime unit didn’t just come from taxpayers, as the opposition party also highlighted the “overly ambitious” initiative, which cost millions, while police stations remain dysfunctional.
Crime Prevention Wardens will be recognised as Peace Officers upon completion of their training programme in accordance with section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act (Act No. 51 of 1977).
The 3000 wardens will be deployed to crime hotspots across the province and work with communities, community patrollers, schools, and law enforcement agencies (LEA) to eliminate elements of crime, including lawlessness, vandalism, and corruption across the communities.
[Watch this space] The new Gauteng Crime Busting Unit, Crime Prevention Wardens are ready to saturate all corridors of Gauteng this morning. Underestimate them at your own peril! #WarOnCrime #BootsOnTheGround pic.twitter.com/j76aaCQ558
— GP Department of Community Safety (@GP_CommSafety) May 2, 2023
Also read: 8-year old attacked with razor to the neck by fellow learner



