Bellville is mourning the death of Stephan Fourie, who has been described as a selfless crime fighter.
Mr Fourie died on Thursday May 3, from injuries sustained in a motorbike crash last month.
Janeen van Heerden wrote on the Boston Spirit Facebook page that Mr Fourie had been in a serious bike crash on Saturday April 23 and had been admitted to hospital with “serious brain and head injuries”.
Announcing news of his death on Thursday, Ms Van Heerden hailed Mr Fourie’s contribution to the community.
“He brought a light to Boston that will shine on well into the future. I don’t think any of us can fully encapsulate how much he meant to so very many people. In his own way, he was the heart and soul of Boston. He will be missed beyond words,” she said.
Mr Fourie was the chairman of the Boston Neighbourhood Watch and vice-chairman of the Bellville Community Police Forum (BCPF).
BCPF chairman Hennie Koekemoer said Mr Fourie had joined the forum in 2015 with his election as treasurer.
“He accepted this despite immense business commitments, but desired to contribute towards the crime prevention impact of Bellville police, working with the Bellville community and neighbourhood watches,” he said.
Mr Koekemoer said the forum had benefited greatly from Mr Fourie’s management and legal experience.
“Through his overwhelming honesty, he was highly respected, but apart from his professionalism, he also became a trusted friend,” said Mr Koekemoer.
Bellville police spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Fienie Nimb said they were saddened by the news of Mr Fourie’s death. He had been a great crime fighter and friend of the police.
“Stephan took the safety of the community to heart and strived to make changes to have a better and safer community. He worked closely with the police to bring the community and the police closer together,” she said.
Many expressed their condolences on social media.
Oloff Burger, of WelgemoedSafe, said: “I got to know Stephan on the CPF committee, and he gave his time and efforts to the organisation and to Boston without asking for anything in return. He will be missed.”
John Michael Tawse wrote: “Truly shocked and saddened by the loss of fellow airborne veteran and soldier, Stephan Fourie.
“Prayers and condolences to family and friends.”