'He gave all of him’

Tributes continue to pour in for Rocklands Neighbourhood Watch stalwart Frederick Pullen who died at home surrounded by his family at the age of 87 on Saturday November 23.

Mr Pullen, fondly known to family and friends as Oom Zoeks, was a founding member of the Skyhawk Neighbourhood watch, which he relaunched with his Rocklands neighbours in 1995.

He was laid to rest on Saturday November 30.

Oom Zoeks, who was one of nine children, was born in Port Elizabeth and moved to Stellenbosch with his family during his early teen years. In 1979, he moved to Rocklands with his late wife, Johanna and children.

His son, Ivan, who is a retired police officer, recalls his dad’s early days in the neighbourhood watch.

“I joined the police in 1982, and my father and a few other neighbours started a neighbourhood watch in the late 80s. They used their own resources. We still assisted them, showing them how to do patrols.

“When my father made himself available to serve the neighbourhood through the watch, he gave all of him. He was either on the beat walking, on a motorbike, or bicycle patrolling the neighbourhood.

“We even had the sirens in and outside our house. When crimes happened, he would sound the alarm and then the neighbourhood watch members would all rally together. My mother was always concerned that she would one day get a call to say he was injured or worse.

“When he got into his later years, we asked him to slow down, but he wouldn’t. He even escorted learners from Glendale High who travelled by train to and from the railway station in the mornings and afternoon,” said Ivan.

Oom Zoeks’ daughter, Gwendoline Pullen, said her father was deeply committed to both his family and his community.

“He was always striving to give his best in everything he did. He dedicated himself to his family, community, and those around him. He was someone who always gave his best and cared deeply for others. His legacy could be seen in how he made a difference through his actions, whether it was protecting his community, offering support, or simply being someone people could rely on,” she said.

Ms Pullen said her father often showed bravery in standing up to gangsters and not tolerating any nonsense.

“People will remember him as someone who wasn't afraid to confront danger when it came to protecting others,” she added.

Rocklands resident Bahia Smith, nee Pearce, remembers Mr Pullen as a devoted father and friend to all his neighbours and Skyhawk neighbourhood watch member.

“Many people around had great respect for him. We were always thankful for how he offered up his time to ride his bicycle and take us to the bus stop and Kapteinsklip train station. He was also good at cracking jokes and making you laugh.

“I will always treasure what he did for our community, including his late son Patrick and his wife who also belonged to the neighbourhood watch,” Ms Smith recalled.

Rocklands Neighbourhood Watch controller Val Moses said it was an honour to serve alongside Mr Pullen who wasn’t afraid to safeguard his community.

“He never gave up and even patrolled the streets with a radio that was no longer working. When he would arrive on a corner and there were boys sitting there, he would take out the [broken] radio and call in “Polisie kom in,” and then they would leave. He was never afraid,” Ms Moses said.

The Mitchell’s Plain community police forum (CPF) are among several local organisations that have extended their condolences to the Pullen family. Last year, Mr Pullen received the Mitchell’s Plain CPF’s neighbourhood watch award for being the longest serving member of the Rocklands Neighbourhood Watch.

“Mr Pullen tirelessly served the Mitchell's Plain community as a committed member of the Rocklands Neighbourhood Watch for many years. It was a great honour to recognise his service at last year's neighbourhood watch awards event. His role in the community will not be forgotten. Hamba kahle (go well) comrade Pullen,” said Norman Jantjies, chairperson of the Mitchell’s Plain CPF.

Lynn Phillips of the Cape Flats Safety Forum said Oom Zoeks was a well-respected unsung hero in and around Mitchell's Plain who always encouraged the youth to turn away from crime.

“He was a man with integrity and commitment who dedicated his entire life to the wellbeing of his community as an anti-crime activist for many years. He used to do his patrols on his bicycle early mornings to ensure the community of Rocklands go to work without being hindered by criminals.

“He was a man with a heart full of love for his community a true bridge builder and served humanity with respect and dignity. He will surely be missed by the Rocklands and Portland communities,” Ms Phillips said.

Oom Zoeks is survived by six siblings, seven children, 26 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.