Shooting from the lip

Another night of danger had just begun.

13h36: “Vehicle stolen from Autohaus Angel, Paarden Island.”

08h05: “Someone got robbed in front of Kasselsvlei High in Belville South – a boy.”

23h44: “Please, need assistance, domestic violence. He is kicking and hitting her non-stop. Our road is very dark at night, can not trust to go outside.”

09h43: “Situation is hostile, people panicking here – (gang name deleted) gangs standing with long guns in the street.”

“What a heck of a morning… there is a body laying in front of my gate. I even heard the guy scream while they shoot him to death – eish, 15 times they are shooting, 9 hit him. I check his pulse, he was still alive, but I knew he wasn’t gna make it. Is getting worse now – no stopping gang wars.”

09h54: “Not only Manenberg, Ocean View also shooting incidents, total madness.”

10h39: “I am informed 4 were shot in Ocean View and a 9-year-old died from gunshot wounds overnight.”

And, as this is being written, on Saturday night: “Another 15-year-old boy stabbed to death in Hanover Park… he passed on in hospital a few minutes ago.”

12h33: “I salute you for holding your nerve, under those circumstances. I pray for you and your family’s safety.”

And: “Keep up the good work all NHWs. God Bless You.”

As NHWs, we are both haunted, and galvanised, by reflections like this post – a tribute: “My name is Aqeel. I’m 9-years-old. On 9 September 2017, I was murdered in my home. I’m now with my maker, safe, away from harm. But I fear many young innocent children will get hurt… I pray you will stand up, and save other children’s lives… Please. (When will it end?)”

The NHW sign is not a logo. It’s a badge of honour.In the words of an old hymn: “I want to be, in that number… when the Saints go marching in…”

To all our NHW members out there, three words: Respect. Respect. Respect.