This article explores how police foot patrols influence community perceptions of safety and police legitimacy within the South African context. While traditionally underutilized in favor of motorized policing, foot patrols offer a more direct, relational approach to community engagement. Drawing from international studies and contextualized with South African data and social dynamics, this paper argues that foot patrols can serve as a powerful tool in bridging trust gaps and fostering collaborative crime prevention efforts. This systematic literature review aims to synthesize existing research on the impact of foot patrols on community perceptions of safety and police legitimacy within the unique socio-historical context of South Africa. It seeks to identify effective foot patrol strategies, understand the influence of historical and socio-economic factors, and provide evidence-based recommendations for improving policing practices. The review focuses on the evolution of policing in South Africa, including apartheid-era policing and its lasting legacy, the transition to democratic policing, and contemporary policing challenges. It examines community policing theory and practice, the role of foot patrols, procedural justice, social disorganization, broken windows theory, and transitional justice in the South African context. Effective foot patrols in South Africa necessitate a community-oriented approach that prioritizes procedural justice, acknowledges historical trauma, and addresses socio-economic inequalities. Mere police presence is insufficient; meaningful engagement, data-driven strategies, and targeted officer training are crucial to build trust and enhance perceived safety. The South African context requires acknowledging the effects of past policing actions, and using foot patrols as a tool to help with transitional justice. This research employs a systematic literature review, analyzing dated but foundational studies alongside contemporary research to identify key themes, trends, and gaps in knowledge related to foot patrols in South Africa. The findings of this review will inform policing policies and practices in South Africa, providing evidence-based recommendations for implementing foot patrol programs that enhance community safety and police legitimacy. It will contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities of policing in post-apartheid societies and highlight the importance of contextualized approaches. This research is intended for police agencies, policymakers, researchers, academics, and community stakeholders involved in policing and crime prevention in South Africa and similar contexts.