An initiative to help raise awareness of Cape Town’s gangsterism issue has been met with tragedy after an unexpected death occurred during a mission.

Members of the Love Out Loud team, which is an initiative of the national NGO Fusion Community Trust and Tree of Life, aimed to raise awareness of gangsterism in Cape Town by walking 1500 km from Johannesburg to Cape Town over 60 days. The members Maruwaan Scullard, Jaryd Jooste, and Jonathan Jooste were struck from behind by a speeding car after having walked 60km into their journey.

The accident resulted in severe injuries for Jaryd and Jonathan and the death of 21-year-old Maruwaan Scullard. Maruwaan, who had been staying in Johannesburg for 18 months prior to the incident, was a recovered drug addict that tried to help make a positive difference in his community.

Roegshanda Pascoe, who is a member of the Manenberg Community Safety Forum, said residents were shocked by the news of the tragedy.

“He has been clean for a year, and the mission was him to saying to the youth that change is possible,” said Pascoe.

Pascoe said the community regards Scullard as a hero not because of successfully recovering from drugs, but for trying to help other people that are in similar situations as the one he was in. She believes Maruwaan was one of the few people that was able to steer the youth on to the correct path and that he was able to provide the proper guidance.

Pascoe explained that funds are currently being raised for the burial of Maruwaan and for the two injured members. She also added that the funds for the walk are still continuing to be raised.

“The legacy that he is leaving behind gives hope to me and for many youth. If the walk continues, I hope more youth from poverty-stricken communities will join,” said Pascoe.

Clair Pretorius from Fusion Community Trust can be contacted on 072 605 2857 for anyone that wishes to assist in funding Maruwaan’s funeral, the walk and the medical bills of the two injured men in hospital.

VOC