A Mitchells Plain teen is making his stem dik raising awareness about the injustices suffered by the victims of gang violence.
At just 15 years old, Camorin du Plessis has launched the Cape Lives Matter campaign and on Saturday, over 100 people joined the youngster in his March for Justice which saw marching bands and parents march through Rocklands and Portlands.
Assisted by his mother, Veronique Paulsen, 38, the Grade 9 pupil regularly attends court to provide support for families of victims at Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court.
“It all started a few years ago when a family friend was killed in Ottery,” Camorin explains.
“He was walking to a shopping centre and was hit in the head by a stray bullet.
“There was no justice for him. He was only 28 years old.
“I can’t always attend court and have protests because I have to be at school, but my mommy goes for me and helps me organise everything.”
RAISE AWARENESS: Residents march in M.Plain.
Camorin says he was devastated when he heard of the death of Lentegeur teen, Chad Basson, 19, who shielded his friend from bullets during a drive-by shooting after the group was mistaken for gangsters.
“I have spent a lot of time researching the legal processes around murder trials and so on and help our parents who are less educated understand the process. Many of them are not privileged to have access to lawyers, so I do what I can and often just visit the families to spend time with them. They go through a lot of trauma,” he says.
Camorin, who hopes to obtain a law degree, says he plans to become a state prosecutor in Mitchells Plain.
“I want to fight for justice for our children who are victims of these crimes.”
If you would like to join the campaign, email [email protected].