Community pay tribute to Major-General

Community safety activists in Mitchell's Plain have described late retired Major-General André Lincoln as someone who was revered and admired by residents and his colleagues in the police.

- ALICIA ENGLISH [e-mail]

Major-General Lincoln died on Friday, May 30.

The funeral service, which was held at St James Church in Kenilworth on Saturday, June 14, was conducted by Anglican priest Father Michael Weeder. Reverand Dr Alan Boesak delivered a special tribute.

Ben de Vos, an independent criminologist and community activist who serves on the Mitchell's Plain community police forum (CPF) said, Major-General Lincoln's death comes at a time when violence on the Cape Flats has reached boiling point, even attracting international attention during presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump's recent White House meeting.

Mr De Vos said that the failure by the South African government, particularly the police, to deal effectively with gangsterism resurfaced as a significant issue for residents in Mitchells Plain and across the Cape Flats.

"It is in the light of this that ordinary citizens, who feel the brunt of gangsterism as a daily reality, feel the loss of someone who once gave them hope most intensely. André Lincoln has become a household name in the fight against gangsterism on the Cape Flats during his time of active duty and commanded respect from both criminals and ordinary citizens," he said.

Mr De Vos described Major-General Lincoln as an intrepid police officer who was well-connected and close to the community that he policed.

"While in the Presidential Task Team during the term of late president Nelson Mandela, his detractors in the police attacked his courageous efforts and work, especially those who kicked against the pricks of transformation and accountability.

"It is always common and inevitable for a person of his calibre to have experienced opposition from within the ranks of the SAPS," he said.

Mr De Vos said that "this fierce opposition" resurfaced during the formation of the anti-gang unit in 2018.