Celebrating Trevor de Kock: A hero of Community safety in Mitchells Plain

The Lentegeur community is mourning the loss of one of its most devoted safety champions, Trevor de Kock, a man whose life’s work helped shape a safer, more connected Mitchells Plain.

For nearly 25 years, he dedicated himself to community safety, neighbourhood watch structures, and strengthening the relationship between residents and the police. The 57-year-old father of five recently passed away after a short illness. 

“We want to honour and celebrate the legacy of a devoted  Mr De Kock,” said Michael Jacobs, Chairperson of the Lentegür Community Policing Forum (CPF). 

“He was one of our neighbourhood stalwarts. We cannot underscore the indelible contribution he made in ensuring that the relationship between police and community works together.”

He was known for his humility. He never sought positions, praise, or recognition. For him, the work came first-always.

“He was not a person who wanted to be seen or occupy positions”. He was about work and work. His humility came across so strongly. He didn’t have time for politics or power-hungry people. His main concern was always about keeping his community safe,” Mr Jacobs said, adding that his colleagues in the neighbourhood respected him deeply, not only for his work ethic but for the sincerity with which he approached every task.

One of his most impactful contributions was establishing a WhatsApp emergency group that connected community responders with two police station commanders. This simple but strategic initiative dramatically improved response times for emergencies and strengthened trust between the community and SAPS.

“He played a big role in ensuring there was a speedy response from emergency services and police. He created systems that helped save lives,” he said. 

Even while battling illness, he never lost his sense of humour. He continued to check in on others, always concerned about their well-being.

His death highlights an ongoing challenge, such as the lack of male volunteers in neighbourhood watch groups.

“We call upon the men to join our neighbourhood watch. In many cases, it is women who step up. Young men especially need to come forward and be part of our safety structures, promoting peace and stability in our community,” he said. 

He was a man who preferred action over meetings, impact over attention. He often put himself at personal risk to protect his community, driven by a deep passion for making Mitchells Plain a better place.

He wanted to make a difference and gave without asking, and he was always available to the community. Some saw him as stubborn, but that stubbornness meant action was taken when it mattered, he said. 

As the community reflects on his life, Mr Jacobs said he will be remembered not only for his contributions but for the spirit with which he served-quiet, determined, and selfless. “He was a doer. A person whose passion safeguarded his community,” he said. 

Capturing the essence of the man she had loved for 21 years, an emotional Mathilda de Kock, his wife said: “My husband didn’t just do community service-he lived it. Every single day, he served his community with a passion and a compassion that came straight from his heart,” she said. 

To many in Mitchells Plain, he was more than a neighbour-he was a guardian. 

“He was the heartbeat of this community. Whenever something happened, he was often the very first person at the scene. He would carefully cordon off the area, making sure that when the detectives arrived, nothing was disturbed. He wanted justice for people, even if he didn’t know them.”

What made his work even more remarkable, she said, was that he did it all while still working a full-time job.

“He would finish his 9 to 5 shift and then go straight into serving the community. He never stopped. Helping people was just who he was.”

“He has left a void in my heart that will never be filled,” she said softly. For more than twenty years, he loved me, cared for me, and protected me. He was my partner, my friend, my strength.”

She is still grappling with the suddenness of his death.

“I am still trying to make sense of it all,” she said. 

“It feels like I have been left alone in a world that suddenly became too quiet. There is an emptiness in my heart and a heaviness I carry every day.”

Despite her pain, she spoke with pride and gratitude for the man he was.

“He gave so much to everyone. He loved this community, and he loved me. That love is what I will hold onto.”

One of his oldest friends, Basil Coetzee, said that he dedicated his life to the betterment of the people of Mitchells Plain. He could never stay away from community work. After finishing his job for the day, he would immediately join the neighbourhood initiatives.

He was passionate about assisting people-whether he knew them or not-and he wanted to make sure everyone received the help they needed. Mr Coetzee said he always had his tools with him and was ready to work at any moment.

He said: “Never, never think you are above anyone, because the moment you believe you are high, you will meet the very people you look down on.” That was who he was, and he never held himself above anyone.