City mourns tragic losses:
THE past week has been an utterly bleak one for many Bay residents. Not only do we feel weighed down by national problems like ongoing load-shedding, but also by the deeply disturbing practice of xenophobia that continues to rear its ugly head.
The city’s collective psyche has been further scarred by the devastating news that one of our own, a beautiful, bright, civic-minded young woman called Jayde Panayiotou, was abducted and murdered this week.
Shockingly violent crime seems to be circling very close to home all of a sudden, leaving residents understandably anxious and depressed.
First there was the brutal murder of Addo farmer Allan Clarke at the start of the week, then Jayde’s tragic and senseless killing on Tuesday, coupled with a spate of hijackings or attempted hijackings – a crime which, until fairly recently, was still somewhat of an exception in our city.
In the context of all this negativity and fear, it is heart-warming to see the incredible outpouring of goodwill from residents – first actively to join in the search for Jayde; then in attempts to unite in her and Allan Clarke’s honour and as a show of solidarity against crime.
Thousands joined a tribute march in Kabega Park, the suburb Jayde called home, on Wednesday after news that her body had been found. And on Freedom Day on Monday, hundreds are again expected to gather at the Donkin Reserve at 3pm to take part in a non-political “Heal our Metro” event aimed at building unity.
Participants are encouraged to wear something red or green to show their support – and bring along an apple. This humble gesture will be a display of respect for a farmer and a teacher lost; and other victims of violence. The apples will be donated to charity afterwards.
Social media has yet again proved to be a powerful tool in uniting locals in a common goal, first to #findjayde and then to rally participation in the community events that followed. Many turned to Facebook and Twitter to convey their sense of loss for a young woman they somehow feel like they knew.
But, while social media has value in all of the above, and provides an important outlet for people’s frustrations, there are also those who have been using it salaciously to share ill-informed theories around the case.
Yes, everyone is entitled to an opinion and it is human nature to want to speculate.
But, until the facts are fully substantiated, the only thing rumour-mongering will achieve is to amplify a devastated family’s heartache.