Late Mitchell’s Plain crime fighter honoured

By Ofentse Mokae
29 April 2010

The late Mitchell’s Plain crime fighter, Vincent Naidoo was honoured during the Presidential national orders ceremony held on Tuesday night.

Naidoo was awarded the Order of the Baobab in Silver for his outstanding courage in fighting crime in Mitchells Plain and for sacrificing his life for the safety of his community.

This Order is awarded to South African citizens for distinguished service.

Yesterday the Mitchell’s Plain Parliamentary constituency office commented President Jacob Zuma for honouring the late Naidoo in recognition of his contribution in the fight against gangsterism and drugs in the area.

Following Naidoo’s recognition ANC MP Marius Fransman yesterday described Naidoo as a dedicated community worker who died while on duty.

“A soldier literally died in his boots ensuring that each and every child in Mitchells Plain doesn’t get exposed to drugs. He sacrificed his time and that of his family ensuring that drug lords have no place within our communities,” said Fransman.

Fransman said though he was bound to a wheelchair, he died ensuring that his community slept in peace at night, that they are not terrorised by gangsters and that they live in peace.

Speaking during the ceremony, Zuma said: “When we talk of working together to do more for our country, we must think of Vincent Naidoo, the national hero who lost his life fighting against crime in Mitchells Plain in Cape Town”.

Naidoo was a well-respected member of his community, a husband, father, street committee member and dedicated crime fighter.

He was gunned down, at only 47 years old, while manning a bonfire outside a drug merchant’s house in Mitchells Plain.

Picture:Mitchell's Plain ANC Parliament Constituency Office