Not all the 4,000 Gauteng crime prevention wardens will be carrying firearms when they are deployed for the first time today to some of the province’s crime hotspots.
The group is expected to be deployed in Soweto, Tembisa, Benoni, Daveyton, Brakpan, Atteridgeville and Olivenhoutbosch in Centurion today.
Although there have been mixed reaction about the wardens carrying firearms soon after completing their three-month training last month, it has now emerged that not all of them will carry guns as many of them have not started their gun training.
Gauteng traffic police spokesperson Sello Maremane said the group would be partnering with the police on patrols, while others would help with administrative work at identified police stations.
“They will officially start tomorrow [today]. They will be working with the police to patrol the streets. Some of them will be carrying handcuffs, firearms and batons. I do not have the exact number of wardens who will be carrying firearms,” said Maremane.
The group will work around the clock, with two rotational shifts starting from 6am and 6pm.
Some of the wardens were seen at the Gauteng community safety’s regional office in Pretoria yesterday, where they were collecting their uniform, tools of trade and also taking instructions about their deployments.
They said their new jobs would enable them to earn an income, while they will be helping in fighting crime.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who unveiled the wardens in a ceremony on Sunday, said 21,000 people had applied for the job and half were shortlisted. More than 200 of these were sent home because they had criminal records, some submitted fraudulent matric certificates and others struggled to cope with the intensity of the training. Just 4,000 made it to the end of the training period.
Xoli Mashiloane, 30, of Soshanguve, said their training was intense but he was grateful to be selected for the crime prevention task.
“The training was very difficult because we did a lot of drills and running. Our level of fitness was being tested during the training. Some people were collapsing during the training and could not cope with its demands. I have been looking for a job for the past three years. This opportunity will help me to get some money and also help society fight crime through the skills I have learned,” said Mashiloane.
Another warden, who spoke to Sowetan on condition of anonymity, said she was looking forward to working with the police.
“When I heard that crime prevention wardens were wanted to fight crime, I raised my hand. As much as I will be getting an income, which is a good thing, I am also ready to play a role in stopping crime. I will also be at the police station helping police with opening cases, taking down statements and patrolling as well,” she said.
Some of the wardens said they did not receive any firearms but will be patrolling armed with batons and handcuffs.
kokam@sowetan.co.za
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