KARIEGA – Hundreds of residents of the Kamesh Precinct gathered at the intersection of Acacia Street and Kamesh Road on Sunday, 12 October, for a prayer service organised by the Kamesh Christian Ministers Fraternal to support families affected by violent crime.
The memorial service aimed to bring hope to families still mourning loved ones who were brutally murdered through gangsterism, stray bullets, knife attacks, and gender-based violence. The community was reminded that 490 chairs will never be sat on again, representing 490 hugs, kisses and smiles forever lost.
According to Ward 49 Councillor, Georgen Miggels, during the emotional ceremony, families of the 490 victims were invited to plant crosses as a symbolic gesture of bringing their burdens and cares to the Lord.
A larger cross was erected at the four-way intersection and will remain as a permanent sign of hope and peace. The 490 smaller crosses were removed after the service concluded. Several high-ranking police officials attended the event, including Major General Vuyisile Ncata, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality District Commissioner of SAPS, Colonel Marieka du Preez from the Kamesh SAPS, Colonel Trevor Appel of Uitenhage SAPS, and Lieutenant Colonel Leonie Peters of Kamesh Detective Branch.
Miggels said, “Community members departed with lighter hearts and renewed hope for Uitenhage’s future. The Kamesh Christian Ministers Fraternal announced this would not be their final initiative, committing to hold community Holy Communal Prayer Services every Sunday at different churches throughout the area.
“The organisation continues its mission to provide spiritual support and foster unity within the community during these challenging times.”
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