ActionSA requests SAHRC to investigate possible abuses at Lesufi’s crime wardens’ camp

17 July 2023          

ActionSA has written to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to investigate conditions at Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi’s crime wardens' training camps where the Star reported trainees are subjected to appalling and cramped living conditions in containers and not getting paid.

Since the start of Lesufi’s crime wardens’ campaign, ActionSA has maintained that due to the lawlessness that the ANC government has for many years allowed to flourish and our communities having been left defenceless, the recently launched crime-prevention wardens scheme may, therefore, be welcomed as a step in the right direction.

However, we have raised our concerns that the rushed implementation of this project. It is a recipe for disaster.

We are therefore not surprised about the allegations that the wardens were forced to live in sub-human conditions, which further supports ActionSA’s view that the scheme was poorly thought through and possibly endangers the lives of people who have to endure it.

ActionSA, therefore, asks the SAHRC to urgently investigate these allegations to ensure that the basic human rights of those employed through the scheme are not infringed upon.

As a party which values the rule of law, ActionSA welcomes any initiative which seeks to address the province’s dismal crime situation, but this cannot be done in a way that creates more risks than dangers.

We believe that a comprehensive safety program is required, similar to the one undertaken by 1500 JMPD expansion that ActionSA President, Herman Mashaba, spearheaded while mayor which saw hijacked buildings reclaimed, unroadworthy vehicles impounded and illegal shebeens closed.

We also know that the ANC and Lesufi are desperate to appear active as they stand to lose Gauteng in the 2024 elections and may therefore cut corners and embark on public relations campaigns which may cause harm.

ActionSA will continue to monitor Lesufi’s crime wardens’ campaign to ensure that the campaign does not infringe on basic human rights and that it is not used as a public relations gimmick while the crime situation, in reality, continues to decline.

Issued by Funzi Ngobeni, ActionSA Gauteng Provincial Chairperson, 17 July 2023