Community wants killings to stop

The Eersterus community has called for an end to the “vicious cycle” of violence that is killing and maiming its youths.

Scores of people attended Saturday’s funeral for Lucien Stuurman (27) who was gunned down in a drive-by shooting a week ago.

The wheelchair-bound Stuurman and four friends had just got into a car
to leave for home after having drinks at a friend’s house when a white
VW Polo Classic drove up next to them and the occupants opened fire.

Stuurman was shot in the head, neck and back while his friends sustained several wounds. Grieving relatives and friends made their way past the coffin that was placed in the home of Stuurman’s sister, Lynn. Pastor Louis Jacobs, of the Full Gospel Church, said he had presided over far too many funerals of young people who had died in gang-related violence. “We have lost many in the community and for too long, and we have come to burials where young people have died. It is time that the community stands up against this violence,” he said. “It is time for the shooting to stop. It does not help to blame the police for not doing their work. It is time we stand up.

“There is a vicious cycle in Eersterus that has been going on for years.

“One person is shot, then there is a revenge attack and another person is shot. It goes on. We need to stop this cycle, stop the killings,” he said to shouts of “amen” from the crowd gathered outside Lynn’s home. “I trust in my heart that this (Lucien’s murder) will be the last for young people, especially guys losing lives in such way,” Lynn said. Lucien’s friend of 10 years, Othniel van Rooyen, said he could not understand why someone would murder him.

“His death is unacceptable. He was loving and kind. I used to push him around at church and he used to make jokes. I will miss his personality. With his condition he taught me how to accept life,” he said. A relative who did not want to be named said she believed that the police knew who the culprits where. “People are scared to come forward. But if the police can’t make an arrest I will make sure Piet Byleveld gets added to this case,” she said.

Police spokesperson Captain Lucas Sithole said no arrests had been made.