Vehicle ploughs into Gauteng crime wardens injuring 23
Over 20 Gauteng crime wardens were injured when a vehicle ploughed into them during a training session in Nigel.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed that over 20 Gauteng crime wardens popularly known as AmaPanyaza were rushed to hospital after a vehicle ploughed into them while training.
The incident happened on Friday while the wardens were training at the Dunnottar Military Base in Nigel.
GAUTENG CRIME WARDENS INJURED WHILE TRAINING
SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini said 14 members have been discharged while nine remain in hospital as they are receiving further medical attention.
Dlamini said the driver who ploughed onto the crime wardens was taken into custody and is also under medical supervision. A case was also opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Dlamini said Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi visited the scene to receive a full briefing on the incident.
“Social workers,psychologists and chaplains have been dispatched to families of the injured and hospitalised members in order to provide support.
“An investigation to determine the circumstances which led to this unexpected incident continues,” Dlamini said.
CONFUSION OVER GREEN ARMY AND AMAPANYAZA
In June, Lesufi responded to a circulating letter about the termination of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Green Army contracts.
“Someone is too excited. This letter was written without my consent or approval. The intentions are clear: to undermine the authority of the 7th administration. This will not be allowed!” Lesufi said on X.
Confusion arose regarding the EPWP Green Army contracts and the continued employment of the Gauteng crime wardens.
“Going nowhere! There’s confusion about the EPWP Green Army contracts and the continued employment of the Gauteng Traffic Wardens,” Lesufi acknowledged.
The EPWP Green Army is responsible for cleaning the environment and waste removal, while the Gauteng Traffic Wardens focus on crime prevention.
Furthermore, the controversial letter stated, “This communique serves to remind you regarding the contractual agreement that came to an end on 31 May.” It also mentioned that workers would receive payment for days worked in June but noted a delay in stipends due to “administrative and systemic processes” following the contract’s expiration on 31 May.
