PRETORIA — Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has declared that reinforcing protection for whistleblowers remains a top priority for the police service, citing their critical role in exposing crime and corruption.

Speaking at the release of the fourth-quarter crime statistics for the 2025/2026 financial year in Pretoria today, Cachalia voiced deep concern over the increasing danger faced by individuals who speak out against wrongdoing.

“I’m very concerned about the fact that so many whistleblowers, councillors, auditors in the public service, even private auditors, are being targeted by these criminals,” Cachalia said.

The Minister highlighted recent police successes in combating these threats and noted a major legislative step forward. The Department of Justice has officially tabled a draft bill focused on whistleblower protection, which has now been approved for public comment.

In tandem with legislative reforms, the ministry is moving forward with plans to secure a sustainable funding model for a national community patroller program.

Cachalia established the initiative earlier this year as a strategic intervention for provinces heavily impacted by high crime rates. Beyond crime prevention, the program doubles as a social relief measure by providing monthly stipends to struggling households.

While acknowledging that previous attempts to implement similar initiatives had failed, Cachalia maintained that the current rollout would be strictly monitored.

“I have a proposal… to come up with a funding model. We have already engaged with the MECs in those provinces to implement the patroller program,” Cachalia stated, adding, “this time I will make another effort and as far as I’m concerned, failure in this area is not an option.