ALI MPHAKI
WHEN it comes to helping keep their suburb safe by joining street patrollers, most of the “educated” residents show apathy.
This was the assessment of Moroka North Community Police Forum (CPF) head Muzi Ngubane, who has occupied the hot seat for the past four years.
In a wide-ranging interview about the challenges facing CPFs in general – but more specifically street patrollers in Rockville – he said most people, including some cops, tend to look down on street patrollers and those with jobs do not seem interested in lending a hand in the fight against crime.
“When we try and recruit more people to join as street patrollers, some are dismissive to the extent of saying the task of patrolling streets is for uneducated and unemployed people. This I find surprising because crime affects us all, educated or not, and it is everyone’s duty to help curb crime.”
Ngubane, who holds a BCom degree, mentioned that a lack of co-operation between street patrollers and the police was a plus for criminals.
He said some cops tend to undermine street patrollers and dictate to them when, in fact, they should be working together in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
“As foot soldiers it is the street patrollers who are at the forefront of fighting crime. They are on the ground and are better placed to know where crime is being committed and who is involved.
“They are the eyes and ears of the police, but in some cases the police do not want to co-operate with them by giving them case numbers, listening to their suggestions etc.”
Ngubane also mentioned that ignorance, cliques, lack of financial accountability and an uneven representation of street patrollers in Moroka were some of the challenges facing the CPF in his sector.
He said there were also concerns that the criminal element had infiltrated street patrollers so that they could be privy to information regarding police raids.
“In some instances we have found and arrested people wearing street patroller uniforms who were engaging in crime.
“These criminals pose as street patrollers, and their actions have a tendency to undermine the good work being done by genuine patrollers.
“We need to be able to do a background check on some of the people who want to be patrollers,” Ngubane said.
The new role of street patrollers to guard schools has caused some tension among street patrollers. He said those who were guarding schools were paid a R1 500 stipend a month, whereas those patrolling the street were not receiving a cent.
“Needless to say, this has not been well received by those who patrol the streets, and they feel hard done by. As a result, most street patrollers have become reluctant to continue with their task because they feel marginalised. This situation has left communities vulnerable because most of the patrollers are now guarding schools,” said Ngubane.