A place of remembrance: Bonteheuwel's memorial wall for gang violence victims

As gang violence persists across Cape Town, residents in Bonteheuwel have a sacred area where they can remember their lost loved ones due to the senseless killings. 

The memorial has been established after the tragic murder of a three-month-old baby, Moegsien Isaacs, who was shot in Yellowwood Street last week. 

The child was struck by a bullet while in his home and later died in the hospital due to the injuries sustained. 

The little boy was laid to rest according to Muslim rites on Saturday, August 23. 

Ward Councillor, Angus McKenzie, said the establishment of the Bonteheuwel Memorial Wall in the central business district (CBD) of the area was desperately needed. Photos of victims will be put up on the wall so they may be remembered by all. 

“In his memory, we have opened the Bonteheuwel Memorial Wall in the Bonteheuwel CBD — a place where candles can burn, where families can place photos of loved ones taken by senseless gang violence, and where our pain can fuel our determination,” he said. 

McKenzie said his memorial was also a call that the community will remain united. 

“This wall is not just for mourning. It is a call to action. It is a promise that Bonteheuwel will no longer bow to gangsterism. That we will stand together, united, to end the killings. Bonteheuwel will shine again, and when it does, it will be the guiding light for every other community that chooses unity over fear,” he said. 

A picture of baby Moegsien was posted on the wall. 

No arrests have been made in this incident. 

On Sunday, mayoral committee member for safety and security, Alderman JP Smith said two suspects have been identified and revealed that they are no strangers to violent crime. 

Smith said one of the suspects was previously arrested by City enforcement officers. 

“In 2016, our officers arrested this very suspect in Bishop Lavis with an illegal firearm. The case was withdrawn.

In 2019, we arrested him again, this time with yet another firearm. Four months later, again the case was withdrawn. Today [Sunday], nearly a decade later, this same suspect is on the run once again and still destroying lives. If justice had been done in 2016, this baby would be alive today,” he said. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

IOL