Greenpeace honours Kit Johnson

The Northcliff Melville Times reported on Johnson’s story after he went missing on 4 June 2018, and was confirmed to be dead a few weeks later. A suspect was arrested, and after an initial case of car theft was opened, the suspect is now being investigated for kidnapping and murder.

Greenpeace member Belinda West said, “Kit was one of the Joburg volunteers, and we all went through our induction training last year. “He was an avid Greenpeacer and we are sad that we had to lose one of our own in such tragic circumstances.”

Family member Tracey Hagen said, “This is something that is just Kit. He used to love bringing his dogs here, cycling around the park with his dogs chasing him, and playing with them in the water. For us, we are delighted as this has given us a place to sit and contemplate his memory in a beautiful environment.”

Hagen read a message from Johnson’s parents that said, ‘When we first read your message, we were overwhelmed with such generosity and purpose… Clearly, it is not only us at a loss… Thank you so much for thinking of our son, and in particular, remembering him in a place he knew so well.’

At Johnson’s memorial, his family requested donations be made to Greenpeace, which Johnson was an avid member of, in lieu of flowers.

The organisation returned the favour by placing a new park bench with a commemorative plaque and planting a tree in his honour.

Awaiting a permanent plaque to be made, a temporary plaque quotes American cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead: ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’

In addition, it reads: ‘In loving memory of our own – Kit Johnson.’

The investigation into the death of Johnson is currently underway, with a trial date yet to be set by the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court.

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