Uncertainty is mounting for Gauteng’s Crime Prevention Wardens after a Public Protector report found that more than 6 000 were unlawfully appointed. Premier Panyaza Lesufi has promised the programme will be phased out over 36 months, with 8 800 wardens retrained and absorbed as provincial traffic officers.

However, investigations suggest thousands may still face unemployment because the Road Traffic Management Corporation, tasked with retraining, is reportedly bankrupt and unable to carry out the plan. This raises serious doubts about assurances that no wardens will lose their jobs.