Cape Town - Parow and Elsies River residents gathered on Saturday for a special event to commemorate the members of the public who lost their lives due to gang violence.
Family members of the victims, along with ward councillor Franchesca Walker and the Parow Community Policing Forum (CPF), were joined by MEC for Policing Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais, as they planted trees in memory of the victims.
Bronwin Daniels of the Parow CPF said hearing the ages of some of the children who were killed was deeply emotional and heartbreaking.
“Seeing their memory honoured through this ceremony was profoundly beautiful.
“This initiative by the community members in Parow was truly a meaningful and lasting tribute.
“There are kids who are still young who have lost their fathers, who will treasure these trees planted in memory of them and one day they will be able to picnic with their kids and still feel close to their dads.”
Walker said among those who were commemorated was little Courtney Pieters and Tazne van Wyk, who tragically lost their lives when they were raped and killed.
Walker said 10 trees were planted in the Da Gama Park.
“We did this in line with Arbor Month, we wanted to make it special, to show the families of the victims that we haven't forgotten and to allow their memory to grow.
“We also got plaques made with the victims’ names that will be imprinted on the trees when it grows.
“The idea is that the families will then know where their loved one’s tree is, and look after it.
“In the future we also want to get benches around the tree for people to just sit by them and have a moment with their loved ones.”
Marais commended the initiative. “Today, we are planting trees in honour of the departed.
“Trees symbolise growth and life. Trees provide shade for rest and solace. Trees produce life-supporting oxygen.
“Each tree will stand as a monument to a loved one we lost to this senseless violence,” Marais said.
Cape Argus