Today in the Gauteng Legislature, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) proposed a constitutional and sustainable solution to the current dilemma with the crime prevention wardens, or AmaPanyaza.
This follows the recent finding by the Public Protector (PP) that the programme was not implemented within the exiting regulations and legal constraints, and after Lesufi narrowly evaded a motion of no confidence relating to the issue.
In response to an oral question put to the Premier today – i.e. whether he would, in principle, support the possible establishment of a Gauteng Community Safety Support Act – he indicated that he welcomes the Freedom Front Plus’s proposal and would consider it.
The proposed legislation aims to create a formal, legally entrenched Gauteng Community Safety Support Service within the Department of Community Safety that will facilitate crime prevention, public safety and law enforcement in a constitutional manner.
The party wishes to emphasise that this service should complement – not replace – the police and existing metro policing services.
In this way, a clear, lawful mandate is created that aligns the current wardens’ activities with the Constitution, national legislation and the Bill of Rights.
The Freedom Front Plus also asked whether the Premier would support the entire legislative process, including public participation, portfolio committee oversight and strict legal scrutiny as prescribed by the Gauteng Legislature’s rules.
The party believes the only way to safeguard the province against further legal uncertainty and costly litigation is to follow a transparent, legally sound process.
The current warden model is unsustainable, legally vulnerable, and creates false expectations for young people who are sent into dangerous situations without proper training or protection.
The national government’s policy of centralism undermines and restricts provinces’ ability to act. A Gauteng Provincial Community Safety Support Act could serve as an example for other provinces of how to support the police in addressing their safety challenges.
The Freedom Front Plus is determined to drive the matter and find a solution that ensures safety, complies with constitutional requirements and genuinely restores public trust.
Freedom Front Plus Ideology: The party promotes Afrikaner nationalism and self-determination for minority groups.
Trixie Doodle
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