Justice and Correctional Services on Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens (CPWs)

12 December 2023

In June 2023, the Gauteng Provincial government requested the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services to designate the Crime Prevention Wardens as peace officers, as outlined in section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977.

Under section 334(1)(a), the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services has the authority to confer peace officer status to any person by their office, to exercise power under the Criminal Procedure Act, any offence, or any designated class of offences.

After conducting a thorough analysis of the applicable legal frameworks, it was determined that for the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens to exercise peace officer powers, they must assume the same legal status as Gauteng Provincial traffic officers. Provincial traffic officers currently carry out their duties within the ambit of their peace officer designation, supported by the necessary legal framework.

The government is determined to take every possible measure to prevent crime and safeguard the well-being of our neighbourhoods.

Minister Lamola having engaged both the Minister of Police and the Premier of Gauteng Province thanked all the stakeholders involved for their collaborative and constructive efforts.

Issued by Chrispin Phiri, Ministry Spokesperson, 12 December 2023