The battle against the evil activities of gangsters and drug abuse has claimed the life of another soldier for peace in the streets of Mitchells Plain. The Western Cape mourns the death of a dedicated crime fighter, friend as well as a husband and father to his family.
Mr Mervyn Jacobs is a fallen hero in this fierce battle against the gangsters and drug lords whose sinister activities want to deny ordinary citizens the right to live, work and play in a safe environment. Mr Jacobs, chairman of the Hugenote Street Committee, has paid the highest price for defending that right. But, this fierce battle against crime has ignited a fire in the hearts of men and women to stand up against all these evil challengers and to reclaim the streets of Mitchells Plain from the clutches of the gangsters.
Though the communities of Tafelsig and Mitchells Plain lost a committed member, the fight against the evil acts of gangsters is never lost. Just more than a month ago I spoke at the memorial service of a wheelchair bound Mr Vincent Naidoo who was shot during a night vigil. Mr Naidoo died tragically at a time when the community of Mitchells Plain was actively ridding the street of gangsters and other criminal activities.
Since then, I can assure each and everyone present, and I will say it in plain terms: the fire (passion) to rid Mitchells Plain of gangsters is burning higher! Scores of citizens will join this fight against crime here in Mitchells Plain, but also in the province. We CANNOT allow gangsters who are in the minority to keep all residents of Mitchells Plain hostage.
Dames en here, bendes sal nooit daarin slaag om die hart uit die veldtog, om Mitchells Plain se strate en woonbuurte van bendes te bevry, te ruk nie. Daarvoor is die gemeenskapspolisiëringsforums, die buurtwagte en straatkomitees té sterk en vasberade.
Die bendes het van die besliste woorde van die mense verneem: Ons sal ons strate meter vir meter terug te neem, straat vir straat terug neem. Die inwoners van Mitchells Plain het nou die bedreiging vir die bendes geword. Hulle (bendes) sinistêre ruimte het dramaties verklein.
Vandaar die paniekbevange optrede van bendelede wat op onskuldige misdaadstryders toeslaan en dan lafhartig weghardloop. Die GPF’s en komitees doen, saam met die Mitchells Plain-polisie, uitstaande werk in Mitchells Plain en ek is seker dat ander gemeenskappe in die Wes-Kaap by hulle kan kom kers opsteek.
Mr Jacobs and fellow street committee members were busy with fund raising on the night that he died. These funds are used to buy much needed equipment for the street committees. This shows the commitment of the community to come well prepared to the fight.
Mr Jacob’s death was not in vain. He died for his beliefs. His death has given the struggle of common citizens’ fight against gangsters a stronger purpose. He was a breadwinner, husband, father and friend. We will certainly not forget his contribution in making the streets of Tafelsig safer in order to ensure a future for all children. May he rest in peace.
Our prayers stay with his wife and children.
Enquiries:
Julian Jansen
Cell: 082 726 9334
Tel: 021 483 3873
Fax: 021 483 3874
Fax to e-mail: 086 579 4315
