New crime prevention wardens hit the ground running in Springs

The Springs SAPS opened its doors to the newly recruited crime prevention wardens on Friday.

The wardens are a part of the first batch of 6 000 who were deployed to communities, especially hostels and informal settlements, on May 1 by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC Faith Mazibuko to protect residents and fight crime.

Springs SAPS Constable Eric Ngcobo, who welcomed the wardens, said he is hopeful that they will assist the police in reducing crime in Springs.

“Their deployment will require them to focus on the CBD, particularly in the troublesome streets, and their increased visibility will be very beneficial,” said Ngcobo.

“They are not security guards, rather they are employed by the provincial government and have the same authority as the SAPS under the Criminal Procedure Act. They are capable of opening dockets and making arrests. They are part of the crime prevention unit,” he said.

Ngcobo added that they are hoping to eventually place the wardens in the Springs’ informal settlements, particularly in hotspots.

Station commander Brigadier Thembeka Gwebushe expressed excitement about the newly appointed wardens and noted that their deployment to the station signified an increase in their member base.

“Knowing that they have been stationed within the proximity in which they stay is wonderful because it means that they are familiar with our community and may assist in tracing criminals in Springs,” said Gwebushe.

“We must not disregard their safety, which is also important because there will always be unfavourable people if you work in the neighbourhood where you live.”

The initiative is a replica of what was historically known as street committees, where community members organised themselves to provide safety and security in their neighbourhoods.