Photo by [News24]
The murder of Ayob Mungalee, a community activist from Eldorado Park, sent shockwaves through the community he selflessly and devotedly served. His death caused other activists to question their safety and whether or not they were becoming targets of violent crime.
Mungalee was described by many as a selfless and vocal individual. He was unapologetic about the issues in his community. He was determined to fight the growing crime, which caused many people to live in fear.
Dereleen James said though they have not worked together, their goals and beliefs regarding the issues in the community were always the same. “He spent most of his days engaging [with] the community, finding out what their problems are. He was in the middle of everything that was happening.”
James, a local community activist, said it’s uncommon to hear of activists and heads of NGOs being victims of violent crimes such as murder. Ever since Ayob Mungalee’s murder, there has been a growing fear for the safety of the few activists still working in the community.
Family Concerns
James said families of the activists have always expressed a level of concern as they are aware of the danger and risk, they are putting themselves in as they attend to the needs of people living in high-crime areas.
“We have a lot of pressure from our families. Our families, every other day, tell us we need to hang up our gloves, and we need to call it a day.”
That, however, is not an option for good and caring people. James adds if more South Africans were actively involved and working in their communities, it would assist the few who are by not making them easy targets for violent acts of crime.
“If we can have more South Africans and more people speaking out on the injustices and social ills in our community, there’d be less threat on our lives. Because it’s just a few of us, we are highlighted in every sphere, and every space and [that] makes it difficult.”
SMread| CC to probe fresh produce prices in S Africa
Dire Need for Cooperation
The South African Police Service has launched a search for suspects involved in the killing of Mungalee. However, James believes authorities have always released such statements to no avail after people have been gunned down or murdered.
“We never see the results of a manhunt. We never hear about the convictions. Sometimes on the odd occasion, we will hear, with enough community pressure, a group of people were arrested, but that’s the end of it. [Days] later, the same group of people that were arrested will be back on our streets … This shows the disconnect between SAPS and the NPA.”
She describes the crime in the area as a pandemic, and the only way to combat this pandemic is if community stakeholders such as SAPS, CPF and community members cooperate and work together. If this does not happen, then the situation in the community will likely stay the same.
