Andre Lincoln Funeral: WC Police Vow to Continue Fight Against Gangs
Colaboradores
Cape Town mourned the loss of Major-General André Lincoln at his funeral held at St James Church in Kenilworth on Saturday. Lincoln, a former head of the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) and ex-bodyguard to Nelson Mandela, was remembered as a dedicated police officer and a key figure in the fight against crime in the Western Cape.
Family, friends, and colleagues gathered to pay their respects to a man described as prioritizing others and committing himself to the battle against criminal gangs. Despite the hurt he allegedly felt towards the end of his career, his legacy as a leader and a risk-taker was consistently highlighted.
Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile lauded Lincoln as “not a talker, but a doer” and vowed to continue his fight against gang violence. Patekile emphasized Lincoln's vital role in establishing a functioning unit aimed at reducing violence in the province. Activists are now urging those remaining to ramp up their efforts to stop the bloodshed on the Cape Flats, where Lincoln worked fearlessly.
Remembering a Dedicated Officer
Lincoln, who passed away in May at the age of 63, held various senior positions throughout his career. Beyond his role as head of the Anti-Gang Unit, he served as a bodyguard to then-President Nelson Mandela and was a former uMkhonto weSizwe operative. His decades-long contribution to policing and community safety earned him widespread respect.
Legacy and Commitment
Commissioner Patekile reflected on their working relationship, emphasizing Lincoln's leadership and commitment. "We bid farewell and celebrate the life of Andre Lincoln... he led us deliberately," Patekile stated, highlighting Lincoln's ability to inspire and guide his colleagues. He is survived by his wife, children, siblings, and his elderly mother.
- Former head of the Anti-Gang Unit
- Ex-bodyguard to Nelson Mandela
- Dedicated to fighting crime in the Western Cape
- Remembered as a leader and a risk-taker