Cape Town Mourns Tragic Dog Walker Calvin Kevin Ilungu Inkongolo

Many Cape Town residents have been left reeling after the suicide death of a reported dog-walker who has been unable to work during Lockdown in South Africa.

The man was found tragically hanging with a dog leash in Sea Point, outside the home of Rev. Natalie Angela Barnard, from St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

On Thursday Rev. Natalie posted the heartbreaking news: “A young 21-year-old Congolese male took his own life today – outside my home – May His Soul Rest In Peace. I had a deep sense of connection with this young man not because I knew him personally- he was someone’s child- someone’s friend – he chose my home to say goodbye – I will never know why – A sacred soul – desperate and alone – as I witnessed your body without breath – I wished I had a moment with you before – I cry for your emptiness – I rejoice with you for your relief – I saw you had Gods word with you- I know you are at peace.

“When the business and noise subsided – first response – police, forensics and reports. I had a moment in silence to honour you – a sacred soul loved by God and in eternal.peace. I will continue to celebrate your life – you have touched my life even though without breath.”

Capetonians  were heartbroken and devastated that the man – named as Calvin Kevin Ilungu Inkongolo – had felt he had nowhere to turn. Like so many other foreign nationals trapped in SA by tight border controls during Lockdown.

In a post that went viral on Friday night, Karen Louise Fletcher said the man  was “apparently very thin”.

Karen said it was suspected that Calvin hadn’t been able to work since the start of Lock Down and “as an immigrant in the informal sector, he had no access to UIF, a grant or any kind of welfare. He couldn’t go home either. It breaks my heart that his only hope was to end his life.”

She said: “Lock Down is not right for every country. Least of all South Africa. May he be at peace now. ?” (Several social media users pointed out that lockdown was necessary, but that certain aspects – like taking care of foreign nationals – were not handled well enough. Others reported knowing of similar tragic deaths during Lockdown.)

Rev Natalie has posted updates in the past 24 hours, as flowers and messages have been left at the tragic spot where Calvin took his last breath.

She says: “Ongoing tributes for a Sacred Soul. You will not be forgotten. Your life will be celebrated! God gives and God takes!”

Some who knew him, say Calvin was battling depression.

Fellow Capetonians have suggested helping Calvin’s family with the burial and doing something constructive to help others. Many are calling him “Calvin, the Dog Whisperer”.

UPDATE: If you would like to help Calvin’s family with the funeral arrangements, and his extended family who have no income at the moment, please see Rev Natalie’s post here. 

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Urgent attention required for refugees and migrants in South Africa

Last month Crystal Horizons Youth Centre issued a statement on behalf of many refugees and migrants who have found themselves stranded in SA by the tight border controls, with no money, no food and no hope. The Centre is calling for urgent attention from the SA government, the UNHCR and other Civil Society. If you are reading this and able to help in any way – please contact them. These are the priority areas:

• A request for the UNHCR to investigate if funds donated to support refugees did indeed get to those most in need and urge the international cooperating partners to assist and come to rescue of thousands of refugees and migrants facing starvation.
• As a matter of urgency, the Youth Centre is appealing to the South African Government to include refugees and migrants in its relief because those who are supposed to help them have failed.
• The Centre calls for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as the African Union Chair to rebuke openly the leaders who seek to use this pandemic to divide people.

IF YOU ARE FEELING SAD, PLEASE CONTACT:

Suicide Crisis Line
0800 567 567

SADAG Mental Health Line
011 234 4837

Dr Reddy’s Help Line
0800 21 22 23

Cipla 24hr Mental Health Helpline
0800 456 789