WATCH: Premier Lesufi visits Alberton Hospital after Daveyton shooting of traffic wardens
“They took bullets on behalf of all of us,” says Premier Lesufi after visiting injured Gauteng traffic wardens in Alberton.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has condemned the violent attack on provincial traffic wardens in Daveyton, describing it as a “senseless act of violence” and pledging the government’s full support to the injured and their families.
Lesufi visited Alberton Netcare Hospital on Monday morning (September 8), where five wardens, two women and three men are being treated after coming under heavy gunfire at Daveyton Railway Station in the early hours of Sunday.
@albertonrecord Lesufi visited Alberton Netcare Hospital on Monday morning, September 8, where five wardens, two women and three men, are being treated after coming under heavy gunfire at Daveyton Railway Station in the early hours of Sunday. Four of the wardens remain hospitalised. Two are in intensive care, with one reported to be in a critical condition. The driver, who sustained a shoulder injury, has been discharged but still has a bullet lodged in his body. Read more on our website: albertonrecord.co.za #Shoooting #Traffic #wardens #Daveyton
Four of the wardens remain hospitalised. Two are in intensive care, with one reported to be in critical condition.
The driver, who sustained a shoulder injury, has been discharged but still has a bullet lodged in his shoulder.
“It’s an unfortunate moment, to be quite frank,” Lesufi told journalists outside the hospital. “I exchanged greetings with one of the injured wardens who is conscious and recovering, while the others are receiving the necessary medical support. I appreciate their courage; they took bullets on behalf of all of us.”
The premier explained that the wardens were ambushed by a group estimated to be between 11 and 20 heavily armed individuals dressed in black.
“What this incident confirms is that we’ve got people who are hell-bent on causing massacres across our province. Fortunately, our wardens disturbed them before they could do more damage.”
For the families, the wait has been unbearable. Mtshali Qiniso, whose brother is among the injured, said they are deeply concerned.
@albertonrecord “I arrived in Johannesburg at 03:00 today, coming from KZN. The whole family is worried sick, as my brother is the one taking care of the family. They have been calling constantly to find out how he is and what is happening. His condition is promising, though still critical,” Qiniso said. Read more on our website: albertonrecord.co.za #Shoooting #Traffic #wardens #Daveyton
“I got in Johannesburg at 03:00 today, coming from KZN. The whole family is worried sick as my brother is the one taking care of the family. They have been calling, wanting to find out how he is, what’s happening. My brother’s condition is promising, though critical,” Mtshali said.
Lesufi said he has instructed his team to compile a full report into the incident, including whether proper protocols were followed.
“I have no doubt, based on the report they gave me, that they were simply executing their normal duties when they were ambushed,” he said.
The premier also addressed broader questions about the role and training of traffic wardens, confirming that they currently serve as a support unit to law enforcement agencies while the government considers additional training and specialisation.
@albertonrecord Lesufi stressed the importance of continued support for the wardens, saying they play a vital role in crime prevention, event security, combating gender-based violence, and escorting learners and families in vulnerable areas Read more on our website: albertonrecord.co.za #Shoooting #Traffic #wardens #Daveyton
“They’ve been playing this role for three years, and we now need to review what kind of support and training they require. We are in discussions with the Ministers of Police and Justice to finalise this,” he explained.
Asked about speculation that illegal miners were behind the attack, Lesufi said he would not be opportunistic but acknowledged that the shooting occurred near an informal settlement.
“Whether the zama zamas were involved, I don’t have that information. What I do know is that the attackers were organised and heavily armed.”
Lesufi also responded to criticism from the South African Human Rights Commission regarding his stance on illegal settlements.
@albertonrecord Deputy Director Busaphi Nxumalo and Acting Chief Provincial Inspector, Gauteng Traffic Police Director Thabo Khoali, address Gauteng Traffic Wardens following the shooting of five wardens in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, early Sunday morning. #Shoooting #Traffic #wardens #Daveyton
“We are acting within the law. We cannot allow syndicates to control informal settlements or use them as cash-making mechanisms. Our interventions are about restoring order and protecting communities.”
He stressed the importance of continued support for the wardens, saying they play a vital role in crime prevention, event security, combating gender-based violence, and escorting learners and families in vulnerable areas.
“I extend my thoughts and prayers to their families during this difficult time. I want to assure the people of Gauteng that intimidation or interference with the work of our officers is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
The SAPS has opened a case of attempted murder, and investigations are ongoing.
