A young Mitchells Plain community hero was ruthlessly gunned down on Sunday morning as the nation celebrated Youth Day.
Chad Arendse, 19, from Beacon Valley, who was the drum major for the Littlewood Primary Drill Squad and the Western Province Marching Squad, was shot several times in the head in Beaufort Street in Rocklands.
Describing her son as a vibrant soul, his bereaved mother, Natasha Arendse, 39, says Chad attended a friend’s 21st birthday party when he was attacked.
“His friend hosted the party in Rocklands. Someone came knocking at our door after 12am. It was the aunt of the girl whose party he attended, saying he was shot,” Natasha explains.
“As we were leaving to head to the scene, one of Chad’s friends came running, crying, saying he did not make it.”
The mother of three says she couldn’t even stomach seeing her son’s face.
VIBRANT: Chad wanted to join the Navy after matric exams
“We got to the scene just before 1am. He was shot 12 to 14 times in his head and face. I couldn’t look at him at all. Everybody loved Chad. He had so many friends.
“He had a vibrant personality and had just finished school and wrote his final matric supplementary exam on Friday. He was so excited because he studied hard and wanted to go to the Navy.”
Chad’s Littlewood Drill Squad had just received a trophy on Friday evening when they performed at the Joseph Stone Auditorium.
Natasha says: “Chad loved everything about the drill squad. He joined the community squad while he was still in primary school, then he joined the Western Province team.
“He was also involved in the Malay and Christmas choirs and was a member of the Pennsylvanians klopse. I am so proud of him. He was loved by all.”
On Sunday, Chad’s squad met up at Littlewood Primary School in Eastridge and marched to his home, holding up their last trophy and a picture of their coach.
HOMAGE: Littlewood Primary squad honours Chad at home
In front of his home, standing in formation, tears streamed down the children’s faces as they paid homage to Chad.
A memorial service will be held for Chad at Portland High School on Wednesday at 7pm.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, confirmed the incident.
“Mitchell’s Plain police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a shooting incident that occurred about 12.40am in Beaufort Street, Rocklands, Mitchells Plain. According to information a 19-year-old man was shot and fatally wounded. No one has been arrested so far,” Rwexana said.