Gauteng Government reply on Mkhwanazi's claim

Following claims made by General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi at the Parliament Ad Hoc Committee regarding Amapanyaza, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi replied. According to Mkhwanazi, the crime prevention unit known as Amapanyaza is operating illegally. Mkhwanazi said, "The law doesn't allow it. The very same senior managers in the police said, 'No, just leave the Premier alone, we like his proposal.'

On Thursday, before even General Mkhwanazi finished answering questions from the political parties at the Parliament, the Gauteng Government issued a public statement to dispute the General. In the statement, the Gauteng Government said, "We note the recent allegations concerning the legality of the Gauteng Traffic Wardens. These allegations follow the testimony of KwaZulu Natal Provincial Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi before the Ad Hoc Committee inquiry into police corruption.

"The provincial government has no intention of litigating sweeping statements. However, it rejects the assertion that the formation of the Traffic Wardens shows contempt for the rule of law and categorically dismisses the allegation that the Gauteng Traffic Wardens are an illegal entity.

"The characterization of the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens as "illegal" misrepresents the facts and ignores the constitutional duty of the province to protect its residents. The Traffic Wardens are a legitimate, legally designated unit, established out of necessity and in the spirit of cooperative governance."