ATM Submits Urgent Proposal Calling for AmaPanyaza to Be Fully Integrated into National Immigration Enforcement System to Decisively Deal with Illegal Foreigners and Related Crimes
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has submitted an urgent proposal to the Minister of Home Affairs calling for the integration of Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, known as AmaPanyaza, into a formal immigration reserve capacity. The proposal aims to strengthen South Africa’s immigration enforcement and overall state capacity amid rising national concerns.
The submission highlights growing community concerns over illegal and undocumented migration, citing alleged links to organised drug trafficking syndicates, human trafficking, hijackings, counterfeit goods distribution, unregulated informal retail networks such as spaza shop mafias, and widespread documentation fraud. It states these issues are affecting enforcement stability in both township and urban areas.
According to the proposal, South Africa has a population of about 63 million people, while a 2022 National Consensus by Statistics South Africa is cited as estimating around 4 million undocumented immigrants. It further states that the country has approximately 832 immigration officers, creating significant strain on enforcement capacity and compliance monitoring.
ATM proposes that vetted and trained AmaPanyaza members be absorbed into a nationally coordinated immigration enforcement support framework under the Department of Home Affairs. The proposal also calls for improved operational tools, including biometric devices, fingerprint scanners, document readers, secure tablets, body-worn cameras, radios, and real-time database access to strengthen enforcement effectiveness.
The call comes amid nationwide marches where some groups are demanding stronger action on immigration enforcement, with protesters raising concerns about undocumented migration, alleged pressure on jobs and public services, and claims of increased criminal activity in certain communities.