Drakenstein draws line after murder of community pillar Mickey Ontong – Action Society urges community to speak up

“On the day Mickey Ontong was murdered, she was one of 70 people killed daily in this country. We are angry because the same thing will happen tomorrow and the day after. The same suspect will get bail and commit the same crime. Because we did not speak up about all the wrong happening.”

These were the chilling words shared by Action Society’s Director of Community Safety, Ian Cameron, at a sombre candlelight vigil in Drakenstein, where the small but close-knit community is reeling from the brutal murder of the 63-year-old Mickey Ontong last week.

The family and community have mandated Action Society to oversee her case, which was postponed to 24 October. Two men were arrested on suspicion of her murder and appeared in the Wellington Magistrates Court on Monday, 16 October.

Mickey was described as a pillar of the community with a heart of gold who ran a soup kitchen.

An eyewitness account of the events on the day of her murder described a young boy running out of a house shouting for help in stifled screams. His hands were bound together by the cord of a cell phone charger, and his mouth was stuffed with cloth and clothing items to muffle his cries for help. Upon further investigation, the body of Mickey was found half under a bed, with strangulation marks around her neck.

Action Society wishes to thank the Drakenstein Municpality for their hard work in hosting the vigil and standing with the family and community during this difficult time.

The Drakenstein community made it clear that they have had enough of the violence in their community. Dozens gathered at the Hermon Sportsfield in the fading hours of Tuesday evening. They held placards reading ‘Not in our town,’ and ‘Say her name’. The Drakenstein municipality organised the event, and the Action Society team was there to support the family and friends of Mickey.

“We cannot allow this to happen in our communities; we must show our frustration and anger. We are encouraging you to join us at court on 24 October. These two men should not be allowed to come out on bail,” concluded Cameron.

Is there justice in SA?

At Action Society, we often see delays in the justice system. What do you think? Have you experienced this too?

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Action Society will protect and save all relevant personal information as described in the applicable legislation and shall only use such personal information for the purpose stated herein. With completing the above form you agree and confirm that Action Society may contact you in future. We thank you for your support.