GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - An emotionally charged journey spanning several days and hundreds of kilometres came to a powerful conclusion on Monday, 16 June, as Romero Hector completed a symbolic cycling pilgrimage from Table Mountain to the Valley of Desolation in honour of three fallen South African Navy submariners.
The ride, titled #Justice4Submarine3 and #Justice4Gillian, commemorated the lives of Lieutenant Commander Gillian Malouw-Hector, Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa and Warrant Officer Class 1 Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela.
These three tragically lost their lives during a naval exercise off the coast of Kommetjie in September 2023, when they were swept overboard from SAS Manthatisi during a vertical transfer operation involving an SA Air Force Maritime Lynx helicopter.
“This journey was never just about distance,” Hector said. “It was about truth, remembrance, and justice.”
The ride served as both a tribute and a call for accountability, urging the South African Navy and Defence Ministry to release the official report into the fatal incident.
The lack of public disclosure has left families and supporters frustrated and seeking answers.
Throughout the ride, Hector was joined and supported by a network of loved ones and well-wishers.
Heinrich Masimila accompanied him in a support vehicle from Cape Town, while Hector’s brother, Brendan, joined from Beaufort West, offering emotional and physical encouragement.
Communities along the route - Beaufort West, Aberdeen and Graaff-Reinet - opened their hearts, with locals, SAPS officers, traffic departments, cyclists and bikers uniting to honour the memory of the fallen.
Notably, Malouw-Hector’s best friend and her husband joined the final leg into Graaff-Reinet, adding a deeply personal touch to the campaign’s climax.
The arrival at the Valley of Desolation was marked by solemn prayers led by Pr Simon van der Pol and a heartfelt musical tribute at Botanies Sports Grounds, courtesy of Archie Pienaar.
The grounds were generously made available by Johan Nel, providing a peaceful setting for the emotional finale. Amos Grootboom opened the event with a stirring prayer.
“We are immensely grateful to every person who prayed, messaged or joined online,” the Hector and Reid families said in a joint statement.
“You wrapped us in love and reminded us we are not alone.”
The family’s message was clear: “Release the report. Honour their lives. Let justice prevail.”
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