Much-loved Silverton patroller laid to rest

Much-loved crime fighter and pillar of the Silverton community, Micheal Hoffmann (58), was laid to rest on Tuesday in a heartfelt send-off by family and community members.

His funeral service and memorial were held at Novus Vita church in Silverton, and attended by many who loved and respected him.

Hoffmann, a dedicated community patroller, lost his life to illness on September 30. He had been in hospital for three months when he met his untimely death.

In a moving and powerful tribute, community members and security forums drove in a convoy of over 50 vehicles to celebrate his life last week on Friday night, October 4.

The commemoration was a reminder of the selfless service and unwavering commitment Hoffman had shown towards protecting his community.

He has lived almost his entire life in Silverton and was described as a true hero whose absence would be felt deeply by all who knew him.

Juan Lee, a fellow patroller and best friend, said Hoffman’s heroics will never be forgotten.

“Micheal loved what he did in the area and always wanted to keep everyone safe, especially his mom. He went the extra mile whenever he could and genuinely cared for everyone.

The lights have dimmed on all of our lives now that he is no longer here, but it’s no surprise that even when he is gone, he still keeps us all going, knowing.

My heart is broken and I am going to miss those coffees every single morning or braai every Friday. I’m going to miss it when I answer my phone and he would say…..‘Ja Bitch’ (that was our thing). I’m going to miss laughing so much that my stomach aches. But…. I know that he is without pain now and in a much better place. They say God only takes the best, and that we all know, Mike was simply the best.”

Lee said Hoffmann was known for his passion for crime-fighting and everyone in the community knew they could count on him.

“He was willing to help whether it was during the day or even night.”

Lee said Hoffman is survived by his mother, brother and sister.

She said Hoffman used to call himself a bulldog.

“If you had trouble with anyone, Hoffmann was always there to assist. As a lady, I knew that I could count on him.”

She said Hoffman was a very kind-hearted person and soft but always tough.

“People knew him as a tough and scary person but in all honesty, he was very kind and always willing to help out.”

Lee said the community lost a rock and pillar of strength.

“The community has lost not only a remarkable friend and family member, but also a true role model and a pillar of strength.”

She offered condolences to his family.

“May the family find solace and strength in the cherished memories they shared with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate through this unimaginable loss.”

Lee said she lost a patrol partner and a best friend.

“My heart is bleeding because I won’t be able to see Teddy Bear again but our memories will live forever,” she said.

She added that Hoffman’s memory will be honoured by carrying on his legacy of kindness, compassion, and dedication to making “our community a safer place”.

Ward 41 councillor Ben Chapman said Hoffmann wasn’t just a man… “he was a force of nature”.

He said he was known for driving around and patrolling in his brown VW Beetle.

Chapman said Hoffmann was the kind of guy who stood out from the crowd.

“He had a boldness about him, the kind of grit and personality that made him both admired and feared.”

He said Hoffmann’s crime-fighting antics were the stuff of legend, and his Beetle was his trusty sidekick.

“It may have been rusted around the edges and occasionally sputtered as it sped down the main road, but that car was as much a part of the town as Hoffmann himself. Together, they were an unstoppable team,” Chapman said.

He said Hoffmann had a way of handling criminals that most wouldn’t dare try.

“He didn’t take any nonsense. Whether it was petty thieves or hardened crooks, he faced them head-on, never backing down. With his sharp wit and humour, he could disarm any situation, sometimes literally, and even the toughest thugs found themselves laughing or scratching their heads in confusion before being hauled off to the authorities.”

He said as tough as Hoffmann was, he had a heart of gold.

“Loud and often brash, he was never shy about voicing his opinions. Sometimes his words ruffled feathers, but underneath the bravado, he truly cared for his community.”

Chapman said his affection for Voeltjiedorp’s people, especially his dear mother, was obvious to all who knew him.

“No matter what happened during his crime-fighting days, he always made sure to visit her, dropping off groceries or simply sitting with her for tea, the Beetle parked proudly outside.

Hoffmann kept Voeltjiedorp safe in his own quirky way, and even when he wasn’t battling crime, his sense of humour brought smiles to people’s faces.

He was the kind of man who would crack a joke at the most inappropriate moment, but somehow, it always worked,” said Chapman.

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