By Refilwe Mphirime
On 23 May, the Aries family experienced yet another loss, the death of Kagisho Steven Aries. Three weeks after the passing of their mother, Nomathemba Aries and brother Lesley Aries died on 12 May.
Kagisho was born on 10 May 1976 in Kimberley. He was the sixth of seven children born to the late Nomathemba and Tebogo Aries. Kagisho started school at Montshiwa Primary School and proceeded to Tetlanyo High school, where he matriculated.
In early 2000, Kagisho worked at Kimberley Hospital as a cleaner and waste controller. He resigned in 2008 to pursue a political career. Shortly thereafter, in 2009, Kagisho ventured into business as the sole Director of Remoratile General Trader.
He displayed leadership qualities both in the church and in the community by being an Executive Member for the Youth in the TOC Alberton Church, a committee member in Rhythm City and a diligent member of Wanya Tsotsi, a group of people in Galeshewe voluntarily combating crime .
A distraught resident from Rhythm City said that they are still in the midst of the battle for the land. “How do we carry on without him and his bravery?” he asked, referred to an incident when Kagisho and Wanya tsotsi raided a shack where its occupants were allegedly selling illegal substances. The deceased was not shaken by threats.
The Chairperson of Operation Wanya Tsotsi, Tebogo Obusitse related how selfless Kagisho was. “This soldier, laying here, fought a good fight and was willing to die for the community,” he said.
Obusitse mentioned an instance where they confiscated drugs. The drug lords came to demand their drugs and avenge themselves which resulted in an altercation and some comrades withdrew. Kagisho disappeared and returned later with members of the police. The deceased said, “This is not our fight,” a display of leadership, according to Obusitse.
An emotional Rhythm City resident and friend, Pitso John Ntihelang said it was during winter when he erected his shack, the first one in the area. “I was unemployed during that time and did not have much. I was discouraged and abandoned my place. I recall Kagisho fetching me from home with bread in his hands saying, “this is nothing compared to what is coming. He was one person who would drop everything and give the little he had to help.”
Kagisho Steve Aries was buried on 30 May 2021, and is survived by two sisters, a brother, three children and a grandchild.
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