Tributes are pouring in for Sabrina Martin, a Neighbourhood Watch Member from Bishop Lavis, who was killed, allegedly by a drunk driver in Bonteheuwel, on Saturday night.
Sabrina was on patrol and was standing in front of a local shop along with four other resident patrollers.
At around 10pm a Nissan NP200 LDV lost control and crashed into the front of the building, injuring all of the patrollers, who were rushed to Somerset Hospital.
Medical personnel responding to the scene declared Sabrina as deceased after she had succumbed to her injuries.
The driver, a 21 year old male, was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and was arrested.
The MMC for Safety and Security JP Smith says such reckless and negligent driving continues week after week, despite their desperate pleas.
Last week alone Traffic officers arrested 81 motorists for driving while under the influence. Our thoughts go out to the families of these patrollers during this difficult time. The directorate will do everything possible to support SAPS to ensure those guilty of this atrocity face the full extent of the law.
Ward Councillor Angus McKenzie has expressed his shock and horror:
”A few hours ago, you joined your team to spend long night protecting us, your community you loved so much. You consistently did this, not for fame and most certainly not for fortune but because, like others, you share a deep love for Bonteheuwel.
Yes, you died in the duty of doing something you loved. Yes, you died protecting us, but it did not need to be this way. It was never meant to be this way. No person as committed to a cause like you deserves to die at the hands of a reckless, negligent, and selfish person.
You were an example to others in life, and now, in death, you will be an example to all of us – an example of how to love a community, how to give your all for a community and how to protect your community. Your sacrifice and life will be honored.
Your sacrifice and life will never be forgotten. Sabrina, you were what Bonteheuwel strives to be daily. We will miss you and we will never forget you.”
Her family also expressed their pain at the loss:
