A significant step towards safer, more resilient communities has taken root along the Wild Coast. On Monday, 19 May 2025, the SAPS Mounted Unit began permanent patrols in this region—a development made possible by the collective determination of community members, traditional leaders, NGOs, the media and local partners. This partnership stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when diverse voices unite behind a shared vision for safety and justice.
This rural area in the Eastern Cape has suffered a wave of crime over the past 18 months, with our ALI SA Fellow, Rejane Woodroffe (Class VII – Dinatla) and her husband, Dave Martin being the victims of an assault and hijacking in their house at the Bulungula Incubator. Rejane and Dave started the Bulungula Incubator in 2007 and are immersed in the development of the community and have created successful programmes in the areas of education, healthcare and economic sustainability.
These wave of attacks have had a detrimental impact with other non-profit organisations closing down their operations in the community due to repeated attacks and fearing for their safety. This has also had a negative impact on tourism in the area.
This rural area has limited access to policing where the nearest police station is a 2 hour drive away and the community have now established their local community policing forum, setting up nightly patrols amongst themselves.
Through creating awareness and escalating this problem to higher levels in government and the SAPS, this new initiative of having mounted policing in communities, stands out both as a security measure and a product of strong, community-driven partnership.
The presence of the Mounted Unit, tailored to the unique challenges of rural terrain, signals a renewed commitment to public safety and trust, especially in places often overlooked. SAPS are currently building a new police station that is 30 kilometres away and will take about an hour to reach.
We celebrate the action and cooperation that have brought about this change and the ongoing efforts of local volunteers who continue to patrol and protect their villages. It is this spirit of shared responsibility and partnership that paves the way for lasting impact—reminding us that real progress is built on unity, perseverance and the power of community.
Real progress in rural safety is only possible when communities, leaders, and law enforcement work hand in hand. The arrival of the SAPS Mounted Unit is not just a security measure—it’s a testament to what’s possible when local voices and collective action drive change.
Read more from Bulungula Incubator here.
Further coverage is available on News24 here (subscription required).
