Mitchell’s Plain families honour loved ones lost to gang violence and other crimes

The few people who attended the ninth annual Walk of Remembrance initiative on Saturday, November 29, aimed to uphold its mandate: honouring the lives lost to gang violence, murder, rape, and other tragedies on the Cape Flats.

Linda Jones, court watch coordinator for the Mitchell’s Plain United Residents Association (MURA) and the Mitchell’s Plain Community Police Forum (CPF), hosted the event at Cedar High School.

For nearly a decade, Ms Jones has ensured that families and the community are reminded that every life matters and will not be forgotten ("Remembering loved ones lost to violence" Plainsman, December 12 2023).

Ms Jones said: “Every life is God-given and deserves to be celebrated,” calling on drug dealers and gangs to stop the killings.

Cornelius Basson, father of the late Chad Basson, who was killed in 2018 during a drive‑by shooting in Lentegeur, praised Ms Jones for her care and support of families. “She helps families in court and supports them personally. She had no connection to the victims, but she is here because she genuinely cares,” he said.

Mr Basson recently shared his story in a book honouring Chad’s life, describing him as a “superhero son” whose bravery will never be forgotten ("Mr Basson pens book on his late ‘superhero son’" Plainsman November 10 2023).

Dawn Basson, mother of the late Chad, also spoke about her son’s heroism. During a 21st birthday party shooting, Chad shielded a young girl, saving her life. Ms Basson explained that although her family still struggles with his loss, they will always remember him as a hero.

Chad later received a presidential bravery award for his courageous actions (“Lentegeur teen honoured with national bravery award” Plainsman November 24, 2021).

Among those attending was Zeek Robain, 5, from Eastridge, who lost his father, Brandon Isaacs. Brandon was killed in a drive‑by shooting at his family home in 2020, leaving his pregnant girlfriend injured.

Zeek said: “My dad was the best. He even took my family and me out when I was still in my mommy’s tummy. I miss him every day.”

His aunt, Vanessa Solomons, said: “Brandon was his mother’s only son. The gangsters don’t care — if they want to kill you, they will. The pain has cost our family deeply.”

Michael Jacobs, MURA chairperson, said the walk brought purpose and strength while highlighting the need for specialised courts to fast-track gang-related cases, noting that many families never receive justice.

Natasha Simons from the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrates Court reminded residents that neither the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) nor the police can fight gang violence alone.

“Without your voice and courage, the truth often dies in silence,” she said. She explained that many pray, cry, and demand justice, yet cases collapse because witnesses are too afraid to testify, allowing perpetrators to return to their communities.

Ms Simons emphasised the importance of gatherings like the Walk of Remembrance and encouraged residents to testify safely.

“You are the missing piece,” she said. “We need your eyes, your voice, and your trust. We are stronger than fear.”