PARTY president calls on South African Police Service (SAPS) to formally adopt community patrollers to its payroll.
Moeketsi Lebesa, president of Dikwankwetla Party of South Africa (DPSA) described community patrollers as some of the most exposed members of society when it comes to crime and argued that they deserve a monthly salary and life insurance cover.
He said patrollers risk their lives to protect their communities, often without proper equipment and compensation.
"Community patrollers are voluntarily protecting their respective communities during the night, risking their lives and the lives of their family members," he said.
Lebesa said the country's high crime levels make it impossible for police officers to be everywhere at once and that leaves a critical gap that community patrollers help to fill.
"The level of crime in our country is overwhelming and it's difficult for cops to be everywhere. Patrollers are doing an exceptional job with nothing in their hands. Many of them have been killed by armed criminals, however, they continue to soldier on with their work," he said.
Lebesa urged SAPS to introduce a programme similar to the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), which would provide community patrollers with a monthly salary or stipend.
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According to him, such a programme would not only recognise their contribution but also improve safety and accountability.
"We are in need of patrollers. They are playing a major role in preventing crime. They don't sleep during the night," he said.
Lebesa pointed to villages in parts of Free State where community patrollers have helped to reduce incidents of stock theft, noting that their presence has become a source of hope for many residents.
"Their visibility gives confidence to communities. They must not be regarded as mob justice when they are simply executing their duties by installing order," he said.
Lebesa's remarks were supported by Free State Anti-Stocktheft chairman, Mahlomola Maine, who emphasised the serious dangers faced by community members involved in combating crime.
"We are the victims of well-armed criminals. It is extremely difficult to leave our families in the middle of the night to confront such threats. We have lost three members who were killed by criminals in Bolata Village, QwaQwa, last year," he said
Dikwankwetla believes that formal recognition, financial support, and life cover for community patrollers would strengthen partnerships between communities and law enforcement, while improving safety across the country.
