Gauteng crime prevention wardens attacked by AK-47 wielding suspects

Five Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens were wounded during an attack by a group of twelve armed suspects.

The victims, two women and three men who are recovering in hospital, were part of a team of wardens that came under fire at the Daveyton Railway Station when attempting to search a group of approximately 12 individuals, who opened fire using high-calibre weapons, including an AK-47 rifle and a pistol.

On Monday, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi condemned the attack on the wardens as “utter disregard for the rule of law,” calling for law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible to book.

During his visit to a hospital in Ekurhuleni, where some of them are recovering, Lesufi said the wardens who were ambushed came upon a group of 12 suspects who opened fire, injuring five of them.

"They (crime prevention wardens) are a force multiplier, and the work that they do is done under the supervision of the law enforcement agencies, because they are still in training. They provide that support to the SAPS, traffic officers, and other law enforcement agencies. But from this incident, they were on their own because they had just dropped (off some) of their members. That is why they were ambushed," Lesufi said.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Daveyton has since opened a case of attempted murder, and investigations are underway.

“This act of violence demonstrates utter disregard for the rule of law. Our wardens, together with law enforcement officers, serve daily on the frontlines to ensure the safety and security of our communities. We will not be deterred from doing our work as law enforcement in the province. Any form of violence, intimidation, or interference with the work of our officers in the execution of their duties is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Lesufi.

Lesufi has indicated that the province is working closely with law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible to book.

Family members have voiced their concerns regarding the inadequate resources available for those tasked with protecting communities.

Lesufi said that he is in an ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Police to find ways of empowering the crime prevention wardens with some form of legislative protection, which will allow them to exist in a more formal and structured manner.

"We are in a discussion with the Minister of Police and the Minister of Justice. They have been playing this role for almost three years now. We now have a good picture of what kind of support they need. We have put a very strong case. I am of the view that they need to specialise in protecting our infrastructure, cable theft as well as events and crime fighting," he said.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za