Vincent Kunutu remembered for fearless fight against crime in Seshego
Vincent Kunutu, fearless Seshego activist against crime and drugs, dies at 54 sparking tributes from leaders, friends and the community.
POLOKWANE – Seshego has lost one of its bravest sons.
Vincent Kunutu – the man residents called ‘The Game Changer’ for his fearless fight against drugs, gangsterism, and crime – died on Saturday after a short illness.
Read more: Seshego mourns activist and businessman Vincent Kunutu
His passing at just 54 years old has left a void in Seshego and the surrounding communities, where his relentless fight against crime and drugs made him a beloved figure.
Kunutu dedicated his life to community activism. Alongside close friends and colleagues including Slight Mabotja, Oageng Makhura and Philly Molot, he worked tirelessly to protect young people from the destructive forces of gangsterism and substance abuse.
In 2020, Kunutu helped found Seshego Community Against Crime and Gangsterism (Scacag), where he served as chairperson until his untimely death. Through this platform, he partnered with police to run campaigns in schools, educating children and conducting searches to root out drugs and gangs.
Read more: Scagag on a mission to reintegrate ex drug users into communities
Since news of his passing, tributes have poured in from local politicians including Thembi Simelane, Thabo Mabotja and Boy Mamabolo, as well as media personalities like Kwenisto Makgakga and business leader Sarel Nong, all honouring his commitment to the community.
Nong related how much passion and concern Kunutu showed for his community. “The last time I saw him was at a wedding, about a week before his passing. He expressed concern about the increasing number of newborn babies being abandoned by their mothers and he was really worried about it. That is the character he had,” Nong told BONUS.
Oageng Makhura, Kunutu’s friend and business partner of 35 years, spoke emotionally about the irreplaceable loss: “Vincent was fearless. He played a crucial role in tracking down serial killer and rapist Themba Dube, who was sentenced in 2022. Day or night, he found stolen vehicles, disrupted gangster networks, supported victims in court daily, and dreamed of a safe, protected community”.
Victim support groups such as Lentswe Laka Foundation and Limpopo Province Civil Society Organisations also paid homage to Kunutu’s impact. LPCSO said in a statement: “We are grateful we spent his last days with him at Seshego Magistrate’s Court on July 31.
“He continued giving updates on social media, unaware that he was saying goodbye to us. We will never forget standing our ground in a GBVF case when the docket went missing, Vincent led us until it was found.”
The community will gather to celebrate Kunutu’s life at a memorial service on Thursday at the Ngoako Ramahlodi Sports Complex from 11:00. Prayer services will be held at his home in Zone 2 in Seshego (house 3281) on Thursday and Friday evenings at 18:00.
His funeral takes place at the same sports complex on Saturday starting at 07:00.
