By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
These fallen heroes, Elias Thema, Thulani Zuma, Mbhekiseni Kubheka, Dingaani Ncala, Bongani Nhlapo, Doctor Nkuna, Rodney Mathonsi, Eric Seweya and Mapula Machethe, were shot dead by criminals while trying to protect the community.
Almost 12 patrollers were injured in the process. However, the patrollers have vowed to protect the community with the little support they have.
King Tsonga, Commander In Chief of Alex patrollers, said when they embarked on this dangerous activity of protecting the community, they made a vow to serve the community despite challenges.
A patroller who asked to remain anonymous said that the death of a gay activist, Tebogo, who was allegedly assaulted by patrollers, nearly divided the community. According to him, the incident resulted in them correcting their mistakes and reflected.
“Stopping patrolling would be disrespectful to the patrollers who were killed in Alex. Crime in Alex had decreased and this township is slowly but surely becoming a safer place to live in due to patrollers. We can’t allow criminals to rule.
“May souls of the patrollers who died on duty continue to rest in peace”, he said.
These are the patrollers who were killed in Alex:
