The community of Mau-Mau in Nyanga has vowed to work with law enforcement to intensify action against the scourge of violent crime in the area.
This follows the death of community leader and internationally renowned actor, playwright and musician, Chris April, 84, who was brutally assaulted after a robbery by two young men at his home in Nyanga.
His death was described by many as senseless and unacceptable during a memorial at Zolani Arts Centre last Wednesday evening, April 10, and repeated at the funeral service held at the Ilinge Primary School Hall on Saturday, April 13, during which several people spoke about some of his remarkable achievements and reflected on a life well-lived.
On Saturday, emotions ran high as mourners bade farewell to April.
Those in the film industry and the community said they had lost one of their pillars of strength, who had always contributed towards the development of young actors and playwrights.
Mau-Mau is home to many prominent people and lately, it has also become a playground for thieves.
The veteran actor was allegedly beaten by robbers at his home at the early hours of March 4. On the morning of the attack, he was found by neighbours lying on the floor after he failed to respond to them when they came to investigate the incident. It is alleged that two assailants, who were taken into custody, targeted him for robbery but he was able to identify one of them before the attack.
After the attack, April had been in and out of hospital and died on March 31.
Family spokesperson, Johnson Puza said: “Thieves broke into his house where they caught him in his sleep. They took his items and when they were about to leave, he recognised one of them. Thus they came back and injured him terribly. He was taken to Groote Schuur hospital on February 6 until his passing at a different hospital, the Mitchell’s Plain district hospital on March 31.”
Besides being a playwright and theatre mastermind, April appeared in television dramas including Ingqumbo Yeminyanya, Abakwazidenge, Uthando Lwethu, Trouble In Constantia, People’s Justice, and Unyana Womntu. He was best known for his role in the local TV series, Stokvel. At the time of his death, he was working on a German TV series called Heaven Africa.
A friend and a neighbour, Malibongwe Sophangisa, said the community of Mau-Mau are both disturbed and deeply concerned about the recent senseless killings which have taken the lives of many people in the area including that of April.
“What concerns us the most is that these criminals are young people that we live with. Maduna (Mr April’s clan name) was assaulted by a boy who grew up next to him, a neighbour. When we asked them we found out he was monitoring his moves. But we cannot tolerate people like this. We made it clear to the police that when he is released, he should not come back to our area.”
He said another disturbing thing is people buying stolen goods. Mr Sophangisa said as they took these boys around, they found out that the stolen cellphone was sold near Nyanga terminus.
“It is a concern that we have among us people that are indirectly involved in crime. We want to work with the police to eradicate crime in our areas,” he said.
Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie confirmed that two men, aged 16 and 20 years old, were arrested in connection with the incident. He said the case is currently before the Athlone Magistrate’s Court.
Known to many as Bra Spokes, April started his acting career in the 1980s and starred alongside Hollywood stars such as Forest Whitaker in Zulu, John Kani in Final Solution and Adam Sandler. Among others, he also featured in local prankster Leon Schuster’s movies like Mama Jack.
On Saturday people sang and danced to celebrate his life.
Hamba kakuhle Maduna, Gubevu, Nokhala.
