The new MEC for Safety and Security in Mpumalanga, Jackie Macie, is looking to recruit over 1 000 crime prevention wardens to reduce crime in the province.
The Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) on 6 July announced it will recruit 1 200 Crime Prevention Wardens (CPWs) to augment already existing initiatives in the ongoing war against crime. “The recruitment of the wardens will not only assist in responding to crime, but it will also help in reducing unemployment,” it said in a statement.
Macie said the initiative is vital in the light of high levels of gender based violence (GBV) and crime in communities. Macie addeed that there are many initiatives and programmes that the Department has to augment the work of the police.
“We will confront the scourge of crime from all angles. The police alone will not win this war. Hence, the wardens will work with all relevant role players to improve the safety of our communities. We want those individuals who are currently involved in crime prevention initiatives in their communities but are unemployed and meet the requirements to apply. Applicants must apply in for posts in areas where they reside,” said the MEC.
The wardens will be based in all ninety police stations in the province. The requirements for applicants include that they be between 18 and 50 years old; have experience in working in crime prevention environments; have no criminal record; and have a willingness to go for both physical and theoretical training (hence minimum requirement is Grade 10 to 12). A valid driving license will be an added advantage.
The duties will amongst other things include patrolling crime hotspots, do search and seizure operations, assist with stop and search operations and assist with identifying any other criminal or suspicious activities in communities. Furthermore, they will work under the supervision of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Application forms can be found here. The closing date for applications is 19 July.
In May 2023, Gauteng deployed an initial 3 200 out of 6 000 wardens, commonly referred to as AmaPanyaza after premier Panyaza Lesufi, across the province following three months’ training at the SA Army Engineer Formation base at Dunnottar on Gauteng’s Far East Rand and 3 SA Infantry (SAI) Battalion, the specialist Infantry Formation training unit in Kimberley. Further training continues for additional wardens.
