Death is a part of life that can often be difficult to accept, but when someone you love is cruelly taken from you before their time, acceptance seems much further out of reach.
A beloved community leader from the Rugby Club informal settlement in Hamberg was ripped out of the lives of his loved ones when he was shot and killed at approximately 23:00 Wednesday, June 9.
Florida Police station commander, Colonel Amos Tsotetsi, said when the responding Florida Police officer arrived, he was pointed to the body of a man lying on the ground with one bullet wound to his head. The victim had been dubbed a community leader by his community, and was also a member of the local CPF.
A devastated Ward 70 councillor, Caleb Finn, said he received the news shortly after midnight and was left heartbroken. The victim was reportedly collecting firewood to make a fire at home in the settlement when he was killed. “This gentleman was by far one of the kindest and most humble people I ever knew. No matter how angry he was over issues he always managed to smile and handle issues with the utmost respect,” said Caleb.
He reflected on how the victim never gave up on his dreams of seeing his community improve, and worked tirelessly, especially in the past few months, to ensure that the project upgrade to his community was never derailed. “I am heartbroken that he won’t be there to see us turn on the street lights in his community. I will miss you my friend, may you rest in peace,” Caleb concluded.
A case of murder is being investigated by the Florida Police who are asking anyone who may have information regarding the case to please come forward. As yet, no arrests have been made.
Colonel Tsotetsi and Caleb spent the morning addressing about 100 community members who were expressing their complaints about poor police visibility and service delivery. “The community was asked to bring information and give it to the Station Commander directly because they said they don’t trust the police,” said Tsotesi. The crowd dispersed peacefully, monitored by Public Order Police Services (POPS)
