Community members gathered beneath the N17 bridge in Van Dyk Park on May 30 to honour the memory of Nonkululeko Gabriella ‘Gaby’ Luenza Ndaba and renew calls for justice, nearly three years after her death.
The gathering, known as The Gabriella Effect, was held at the location where Gaby’s body was found on June 1, 2023, six days after she was reported missing.
Family members, supporters, and residents came together in a show of solidarity to reflect on Gaby’s life and the family’s continued search for answers.
A major moment during the event was the handover of a petition containing 9 071 signatures to representatives of Dawn Park SAPS, including the station commander.
The petition calls for accountability and progress in the investigation.
Whitney Stander, Gaby’s sister, encouraged attendees to continue fighting the system so that all those betrayed by it can be freed and to protect those who haven’t yet suffered.
“We hope everyone stays safe and looks out for one another, as you can see that the SAPS are failing us,” she said.
The event focused not only on remembering Gaby but also on raising awareness about the challenges many families face while seeking justice for loved ones.
Action Society national spokesperson Juanita du Preez said the family’s persistence has resonated with people across the country.
“What the Ndaba and Stander families have done over the past three years requires enormous courage,” said Du Preez.
She added that Gaby’s case has become symbolic of the frustrations many South African families experience when investigations are delayed or communication breaks down.
For many attendees, this gathering served as both a remembrance and a renewed commitment to ensuring that Gaby’s story is not forgotten.
As the third anniversary of her death approaches, supporters hope the thousands of signatures handed to police will help keep attention focused on the case and the family’s ongoing pursuit of justice.
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