SEDIBENG.- While many in our communities have been wondering what power the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens have, the Gauteng Department of Community Safety has revealed that they have much more than the public thinks.

Popularly known as the ‘Panya-Panya’s’ or ‘Green beans’ the wardens have been declared as Peace Officers in line with Section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act upon completion of their training programme.

Their roles and responsibilities include ensuring police visibility at the ward level, ensuring timeous response to reported crime incidents, and interacting with community structures and other sources to provide “early warning”. They have also been tasked with making sure that they prevent issues of land invasion and damage to infrastructure and they work closely with community patrollers.

They can also arrest a person:

• Who has escaped or attempts to escape from lawful custody
• Who has in his/her possession any implements of housebreaking or car hijacking
• Who has in her possession anything suspected to be stolen property/ or property dishonestly obtained

The Panya-Panya’s are, however, governed by various principles to ensure that they carry out their duties effectively.

These include:

• Respect for Human Rights
• Honesty
• Dedication and commitment