LOVED by his community and passionate about surfing, Junade Faulkner (19), from Jeffreys Bay who was shot and killed earlier this month, three weeks after starting his first year at East Cape Midlands TVET College in Graaff-Reinet, will be remembered as helpful and friendly.
According to his cousin, Irwin Faulkner, Junade could easily light up a room with his personality and would always make sure people were laughing.
He said he could not remember a time when his cousin was sad or down.
Irwin said Junade, who planned to study towards becoming a police officer, was always talking about how excited he was to study further.
“He had his whole life planned out: from the job he would have to the things he would do once he started working,” said Irwin.
“The most important thing to him was working for his mother and creating a better life for her, as well.”
He said Junade was always willing to help others and did everything with so much love.
Apart from his lifelong dream to become a police officer, Junade also loved surfing and skateboarding.
“Junade’s older brother, Joshe Faulkner, and many of his cousins, are well known for surfing, which further ignited his passion for the sport,” said Irwin.
“Junade saw how much joy surfing brought his brother and he wanted to follow in his footsteps. Although, he was not a professional surfer, he was always in the water, trying to perfect his art.”
Irwin said his family was heartbroken and devastated by Junade’s passing.
“It still feels like a bad dream. We all expect him to walk in and laugh at us for thinking that he is the one who passed on,” said Irwin.
Junade leaves behind his mother, Almaree Faulkner, older brother, Joshe Faulkner, and three younger sisters, Nayomi Lawrence, Nayobi Lawrence and Taylon Faulkner.
Irwin said the support had been amazing from the Jeffreys Bay community and community members in Graaff-Reinet, who recently planned a memorial service in honour of Junade.
“The Jeffreys Bay community is heartbroken and cannot understand this senseless murder,” said Irwin.
“All we want now is justice for Junade. The accused needs to be brought to justice for what he has done.”
Junade will be laid to rest on Saturday, February 20.
- According to police spokesperson Captain Bradley Rawlinson, the murder accused, Garick Koetaan (40), made his first court appearance at the Graaff-Reinet Magistrate’s Court on February 15, and was released on bail.
“Koetaan is due to appear at the Graaff-Reinet Magistrate’s Court (again) on March 29,” said Rawlinson.
