Community patrollers in Diepkloof mourn their fallen colleague amid police absence at vigil. Image: Supplied.
(The Post News)- Community patrollers in Diepkloof, Soweto, are expressing growing concern and disappointment after police officers failed to attend a candlelight vigil held to honor a fellow patroller who was tragically shot and killed earlier this month.
The gathering on Thursday began with a march from Diepdale Secondary School to the home of Elifas Malusi Rathebe, a dedicated member of the community policing forum (CPF), who was fatally shot at his residence in Diepkloof Zone 3.
The vigil was organized to offer support and solidarity to the Rathebe family during this difficult time. However, organizers noted that the absence of police representatives who were expected to address the gathering left many patrollers feeling overlooked and hurt.
According to TimesLive, Zukile Memela, one of the organizers and a patroller, said that two police officers were expected to attend but “didn’t show up,” adding, “It’s disturbing.” Patrollers described the police no-show as yet another indication of the growing divide between them and law enforcement. Memela emphasized, “It cannot be business as usual when the work of patrollers is constantly undermined.”
He warned that the widening gap between the police and community members is becoming dangerous. “If it wasn’t for the patrollers, crime would be worse,” he said. The patrollers also feel that their relationship with the CPF office has deteriorated. Memela explained that the CPF executive failed to provide the patrollers with the necessary paperwork to raise funds for the funeral, forcing them to approach local businesses without formal letters of support.
Despite this challenge, Memela expressed determination to succeed independently and gratitude to everyone who stood by them, especially Siyabangena, a group of independent patrollers unaffiliated with the CPF. Rathebe’s passing, affectionately known as “Mdululu,” deeply impacted the community and heightened fears among patrollers who risk their lives daily without compensation or proper safeguards.
One patroller told TimesLive that they brave the streets of Diepkloof each night with minimal protection, lacking proper jackets, training, or equipment, often limited to carrying only a walkie-talkie or pepper spray. Katlego Lefutso, a full-time patroller, said, “There’s no parent who won’t be scared when you go out with just a sjambok,” a heavy leather whip, “while criminals are holding guns.”
The patrollers are now preparing to march to the nearby police station to demand accountability and respect. They are meanwhile hoping that, after submitting the required documents on Tuesday, the Gauteng Department of Community Safety will provide funeral support. However, it is still uncertain whether the assistance will arrive in time. The police have yet to explain their absence from the ceremony.
For now, the group who refer to themselves as the “ground forces” remain determined to continue safeguarding the community, regardless of whether they receive official support.
journalist-thembeka@thepostnews.net
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