Lives remembered at Rhodes Park

It has been a year since the gruesome double murder which saw two men lose their lives in Rhodes Park in Kensington.

Two women were raped while their husbands were forced to watch. The men were then tied up and thrown into the lake and the women were forced to watch them drown.

The murder sent shockwaves throughout the community, leaving residents reeling. A memorial was held on 17 October to remember those who lost their lives on that day and to reclaim the area.

Wreaths were laid by MMC for Social Development, Nonhlanhla Sifumba.

The purpose of the gathering was to remember the young men and honour their partners who, in the face of such unimaginable tragedy, had shown resilience and strength. “You are women of substance. You chose to be survivors instead of being victims. You’ve remained resilient. I salute you.

“This is a very emotional day for all of us. Two young lives were lost in an attack that angered South Africans from all walks of life. I’m sorry for opening old wounds but we’re here to show our solidarity with the families.”

Two pink rose bushes were planted at the edge of the lake last year, where the two men were murdered, by former Cleveland CPF chairperson Alison Roberts and Ward 66 councillor Carlos Da Rocha.

“The brutal murders of the two men who were innocently enjoying our beautiful park with their partners and the rape of the ladies must never happen again, these rose bushes planted by the Cleveland CPF serve to remind us daily of their tragic loss and I am happy to see them having survived the harsh winter… to carry a symbol of hope,” said Roberts.

Da Rocha said the day brought back all the emotions of last year when residents were afraid to visit the park, fearing for their safety. “It was an emotional event where it touched the hearts of all the people present, and it was an important event as it reminded us of the victims. We can never forget what happened in this park. This unfortunate disaster has brought our community together and the community has taken this park back,” said Da Rocha.

Since the incident, security around the park has been stepped up. The local Pick n Pay supermarket has also been supporting the 24-hour security project.

The MMC pleaded with the community not to let their guard down. “[You] must come out into the park again. The more people we have in the park, the more eyes we will have,” said Sifumba.

She also added that the Rhodes Park community involvement in the policing was a blueprint for other public spaces. A certificate of acknowledgment was presented to Stallion security company for sponsoring free security guards in the park and in Kensington.

Three of them men accused of the heinous crime appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court and the case is expected to continue on 28 October. The other nine men are yet to be arrested.

Cleveland Police Station could not comment on the case at the time of publication.

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