Four Gauteng Traffic Wardens Injured in Daveyton Ambush by Armed Suspects

Gauteng Traffic Wardens Ambushed in Daveyton: Four Injured in Violent Attack

Daveyton, Ekurhuleni – A shocking ambush at the Daveyton Railway Station has left four Gauteng Traffic Wardens injured, two of them critically, after coming under fire during a routine patrol on Wednesday.

Attack with High-Calibre Weapons

According to officials, the wardens were attempting to search a group of 12 suspects when the men opened fire using high-calibre weapons, including an AK-47 and a pistol. Witnesses reported chaos as gunfire erupted in what authorities now describe as a planned ambush.

The suspects, estimated to number between 11 and 20, were dressed in black, adding to suspicions that the assault was carefully organized.

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Wardens Injured, Two Critical

At least four wardens were shot in the attack:

• Two remain in intensive care at a Netcare hospital.
• One was discharged but still has a bullet lodged in his shoulder.
• The fourth sustained injuries but is receiving ongoing treatment.

Counseling and support services have been made available for the wardens and their families.

Courage on the Frontlines

A spokesperson praised the bravery of the wardens, noting that their quick response may have prevented mass casualties.

“They took bullets on behalf of all of us. We wish them a full and speedy recovery,” the official said.

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Growing Risks for Crime Prevention Wardens

The attack has raised fresh concerns about the safety of Gauteng’s Crime Prevention Wardens, who often patrol informal settlements and high-risk areas with limited resources.

Wardens operate as force multipliers under the supervision of SAPS and provincial law enforcement, but many are not fully armed, leaving them vulnerable to heavily armed criminal groups.

Provincial and National Response

Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who visited the injured wardens at Alberton Hospital, condemned the ambush as a targeted, premeditated act.

He confirmed that discussions are underway to:

• Strengthen warden training and specialization in areas such as taxi violence and infrastructure protection.
• Provide better support from SAPS and other law enforcement agencies.
• Ensure wardens have adequate resources and protection when deployed in volatile areas.

Urgent Call for Justice

Authorities have launched a manhunt for the attackers and called for swift investigations. The ambush highlights the growing threat of organized criminal activity in Gauteng and underscores the dangers faced daily by municipal law enforcement teams.

“We remain committed to protecting our wardens and ensuring law enforcement responds decisively to such violent attacks,” Premier Lesufi said.