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EZEKIEL PHALANA
ADDITIONAL INFO BY DA
As crime continues to threaten communities across Gauteng, community patrollers remain on the front lines of the fight to keep residents safe. These dedicated volunteers give their time, energy, and often their own resources to protect neighbourhoods, assist law enforcement, and provide a visible deterrent to criminal activity.
Despite their invaluable contribution, many community patrollers continue to operate without the most basic tools required to perform their duties effectively. Essential resources such as reflective vests, torches, communication equipment, and food support during patrol shifts remain unavailable to numerous volunteer groups across the province.
Concerns regarding the lack of support were raised during a public engagement hosted by the Gauteng Community Safety Committee in Orange Farm on 29 May 2026 and were echoed during engagements with community patrollers in Rabie Ridge. Patrollers highlighted the severe shortage of operational resources that limits their ability to serve and protect their communities.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on the Gauteng Provincial Government to urgently address this situation. The party has written to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety, requesting that Premier Panyaza Lesufi appear before the committee to explain the government’s failure to adequately support community patrollers and to present a comprehensive intervention plan.
Community patrollers, many of whom operate through Community Policing Forums (CPFs) established under the South African Police Service framework, play a critical role in crime prevention, intelligence gathering, and improving visibility in crime hotspots. Their work strengthens cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies, making communities safer for all.
The DA argues that while substantial funding has been allocated to other safety initiatives, community-based safety structures have not received the support necessary to maximise their impact. The party believes that empowering Community Policing Forums and community patrollers with adequate resources would significantly enhance crime-fighting efforts across Gauteng.
At a time when residents are demanding safer streets and more effective crime prevention measures, community patrollers should be recognised as essential partners in public safety. Ensuring that these volunteers have access to the tools they need is not merely a matter of support—it is an investment in safer communities and stronger partnerships between government, law enforcement, and the people they serve.