Furious residents, armed with banners, placards and photos of slain teenager, Leyton Fynn, marched through the streets of Wentworth calling for justice and no bail on July 2, a day before his alleged killer appeared in court.
An 18-year-old man appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on July 3, for the murder of the 17-year-old Grade 12 learner. The matter was adjourned to later this week for a formal bail application.
Clad in school uniform, Leyton, who attended Wentworth High School, was on his way to Fairvale Secondary School to attend the winter holiday school programme, when he was shot multiple times on Richard Winn Road on June 27.
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Unable to contain his emotions during the march, Leyton’s dad, Tyrone Fynn, knelt at the spot where his son’s lifeless body laid riddled with bullets.
He wept as he described Leyton as an intelligent young man who aspired to be a chartered accountant.
“My son was a smart boy who studied everyday. He dedicated his weekends to his academics. His dream was to better his life so that he could give his mother everything she deserved. We went through difficult times, but he never let the situation stop him from learning.
“He was looking forward to going to university. He was the youngest of my three sons and he was my baby. While all my boys were good, I would say he was my saint. He inspired me.
“All we want is justice to be served so that the person behind his senseless and ruthless killing is punished for the pain caused to our family. I hope that our son’s death does not go in vain and that there is change in our community,” said Tyrone.
Celeste King, chairperson of Wentworth-based organisation, eThekwini South Youth in Business, said despite the outcry from residents, the community bleeds as young people are silenced by crime.
“Leyton’s death will forever damage my mind because this was a child of excellence. I pray that his death will shake up the community because we cannot keep blaming the government. We have become prisoners in our own community, where our streets feel like they closing in on us with bullets.
“Leyton’s killing must touch the ministers of the gospel who remain silenced in our community amid the turmoil, as well as the politicians, government officials, police and resident in the community of Wentworth. I pray that God brings comfort to his family and friends, especially his parents,” she said.
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Wentworth police spokesperson, Captain Mbuso Gumede, said police urge residents to blow the whistle on criminal elements in Wentworth.
While acting station commander at Wentworth police station, Lieutenant Colonel Clive Myburg, appealed to residents to work in partnership with the police in order to stop the senseless killings in the community.
“Residents can join police and act against crime by reporting every incident or crime that they witness. Anonymity is guaranteed,” Myburg said.
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