Philemon Mashabela’s life was celebrated at Kopanong Community Hall in Soshanguve, Tshwane, on Thursday, 10 April.
Philemon (32) was shot, stoned, axed, and burnt at the Marry Me informal settlement in Soshanguve.
He was described as a kind, loving, and jolly individual.
Philemon and other community patrollers were attacked, and others were killed and hospitalised on Saturday, 22 March.
Philemon died on Monday, 31 March.
Philemon’s brother Patrick Mashabela said his brother was badly injured.
“Philemon played a huge role in the family. He was a good advisor and a family man. We have lost a good person, and we are in great pain,” he said.
He further said that what pains them a lot is that we have neighbouring countries who came to visit South Africa, and we welcomed them.
“Unfortunately, these are the people who are killing us. I don’t know how our government takes us. We are traumatised, and the community of Marry Me is traumatised. We want our government to support us and show us that they want to keep us safe,” he said.
He said they cannot travel to the neighbouring countries and do the same thing.
“We need safety at this stage. Our brother stood up and created safety in Marry Me, and he lost his life. We are not against them. We love and respect them. We know they are struggling from their own countries. But at this stage, they are hurting us,” he said.
Patrick said we want justice.
He said that they even burnt a woman, and in South Africa, we protect women.
Philemon’s girlfriend Fikile Mapane (24) said she wants justice and is in great pain after losing Philemon.
Philemon’s aunt Sophy Lentheng Moloisane said they are heartbroken.
“We didn’t expect that when he volunteered to be a community patroller, it would end like this. He was a breadwinner,” she said.
Philimon’s daughter Amogelang Kenosi (15) said: “Even though he is no longer alive but his kindness, his memory will always stay in our hearts. May his soul rest in peace.”
His friend Sylvester Mmola said he lost his friend and is heartbroken.
ANC Veterans League member Grace Motileng said: “I’m begging God to give us strength. It’s enough. We had enough pain. Our tears are no longer coming out.”
Her message to the killers is that their day is coming.
“I’m in great pain from what happened to us. Be consoled family,” she said.
Gauteng Police spokeswoman Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that the seventh victim passed on at the local hospital.
Philemon will be laid to rest at Soshanguve Crossing Cemetery on Friday, 11 April.
