Gauteng Premier visits injured traffic wardens in hospital
The suspects are reportedly still at large.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has revealed that one of the five Gauteng Traffic Wardens (GTWs) recovering in hospital after a shooting during a routine patrol near the Daveyton railway station in the early hours of Sunday, September 7, is in a critical condition.
Lesufi was speaking outside the Netcare Alberton Hospital on September 8, where he visited the two female and three male wardens to convey his support on behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government.
Also Read: Shooting in Daveyton leaves five wardens hospitalised
According to Daveyton SAPS spokesperson Constable Ntando Ngomane, the wardens encountered about 12 men during their patrol.
When they stopped to conduct a search, one of the suspects reportedly fled and opened fire on the wardens with an AK-47 assault rifle and a pistol.
“Members from the Client Service Centre then received a complaint from one of the GTW members requesting backup. In a swift response, officers arrived at the scene, but the suspects had already fled,” Ngomane said.
The injured wardens were rushed to hospital, and police have opened a case of attempted murder.
Lesufi strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “senseless act of violence” and “an 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,” he said.
Lesufi commended the role of the GTWs, highlighting the work they do in recovering illegal firearms, drugs, and alcohol.
He noted, however, that while the wardens had received basic training, they had not been trained at an advanced level.
“They were not meant to go toe to toe with cash-in-transit robbers or taxi violence, but were meant to give additional support to law enforcement agencies. They have been doing this work for three years, and we are of the strong view that we can support and take them to the next level of training after we’ve agreed with our colleagues in cabinet,” said Lesufi.
Lesufi added that he has been in discussion with the new Minister of Police to find better ways to strengthen the role of wardens and law enforcement collaboration.
The suspects are reportedly still at large.
Also Read: Crime prevention wardens make arrest in Crystal Park
