DEFENCELESS patrollers in Orlando West, Soweto, fear for their lives.
They continue to patrol and watch over their communities with no resources to defend and protect themselves against criminals.
Thapelo Thakane (40), who has been patrolling in Dube and Orlando West for the past four years, told Daily Sun they needed assistance in obtaining work equipment such as torches to assist them during load shedding, bullet proof vests incase of shooting incidents, and work uniform so they can be easily identified.
He alleged when on duty and chasing criminals, they sometimes got shot at by criminals.
“It is difficult for us to approach the criminals because we are not armed,” he said.
He said that even if the relevant departments didn’t offer them resources needed to do this job, they would really appreciate the training.
“The JMPD under the MMC of Public Safety should be participating, but I feel like they only think of us when they need us for their projects,” Thapelo said.
He alleged they were promised a stipend, however, until now they were still not getting paid.
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“We are the ones who are forever on the ground. Our patroller was shot at, the least that the department can do is pay for medical fees of that person. As registered patrollers we also deserve to get medical aid so that when we are attacked, we are able to afford private fees,” he said.
He claimed the department of public safety promised to provide them with equipment.
“Each and every one of us must use their own working equipment when we patrol. We chase hardcore criminals with nothing to back us up,” he further said.
MMC for Public Safety Mgcini Tshwaku told Daily Sun that no torches were promised, and no bullet proofs were promised to the patrollers.
“The JMPD is embarking on a process to recruit patrollers. Phase 1 was completed and many people did not apply. We are going to do phase 2, and people must apply. We follow HR processes.
“Only when they are JMPD Revolutionary Red Patrollers the city can look into giving them uniform, and tools of trade,” Tshwaku said.
