Elsies River CPF member killed in Clarke Estate

Elsies River Community Policing Forum (CPF) is mourning the loss of its own. 49-year-old Clinton Treu was killed in the early hours of Sunday in Clarkes Estate, after he was allegedly involved in a struggle with hijackers.

PHOTO SUPPLIED: Clinton Treu

Western Cape police said they are probing the matter.

‘’Elsiesriver detectives are hard at work, following up on information at their disposal, in a bid to apprehend the suspects who are responsible for killing a 49-year-old man in Kerner Street in Clarke Estate in the Early hours of Sunday 08 September 2024,’’ said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi Western Cape SAPS spokesperson.

‘’Upon their arrival at the crime scene at around 02:35, they found the victim who sustained gunshots to his head. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The unknown suspect/s fled the scene and they are yet to be arrested. The motive for this attack now forms part of the police investigation,’’ he added.

The Elsies River CPF said Treu was an integral member of the Community in Blue Patrollers and had committed most of his free time to ensure the safety of the community.

According to the Community in Blue Coordinator, Joshua Jackson, True was an asset to the team, he was passionate about being part of the CIB's and according to his family Clinton was always enthusiastic to go out on patrols.

‘’Mr Jackson emphasised that our immediate priority is to support the family during this difficult time and to remember the remarkable man Clinton True was and to continue to honor his legacy by building the Community in Blue as a structure that can truly make a difference in Elsies River,’’ said Hamish Arries, Elsies River CPF chairperson, in a statement.

‘’The entire CPF, NHW and Community Safety family is devastated by this loss, and the fact that someone who dedicated himself to fight crime in our community has to die as a victim and a statistic of this very crimes he was so committed to eradicate. Chief Arries added that we will not remember Clinton as a victim but as a hero who was prepared to stand his ground and paid with his life doing so,’’ read the statement

Meanwhile, the Western Cape’s CPF board has called on SAPS to activate its 72-hour activation plan to find the perpetrators.

‘’The WCPCPB [Western Cape Provincial Community Policing Board] urges the South African Police Service (SAPS) to initiate the 72-hour activation plan and exhaust all resources to bring the perpetrators to justice. We demand a thorough investigation, leaving no stone unturned, to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for this heinous crime,’’ said Justin Kumlehn, WC CPF member.

‘’Although off-duty at the time of the incident, the patroller was a steadfast guardian of the Elsies River community, working tirelessly alongside others to keep the public safe from harm. His selfless commitment to ensuring the safety of others will not be forgotten,’’ he added.

The Western Cape’s Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Anroux Marais, says Treu’s presence will be missed.

“I mourn the death of Clinton, and I salute him as a committed Neighbourhood Watch member.  The Western Cape is poorer, and Elsies River a more dangerous place, without him. I plan to visit Clinton’s loved ones soon. I call on the public to assist in apprehending his killers. Together, we can beat crime in the Western Cape. Let that be our commitment, in the loving memory of what Clinton stood for.’’

Anyone with information regarding the incident are urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 

Done by: Mitchum George