A popular Bonteheuwel community worker, Aqeelah Abrahams, died on June 18.
She worked as a trauma room counsellor for more than 10 years, first in the one at the Bishop Lavis police station and later at the Bonteheuwel satellite office.
Those who knew her say she soon built a reputation as someone you could rely on for
help.
Bishop Lavis police spokesman Sergeant Joseph Swartbooi said she was a vibrant, bubbly person who was always willing to help others and never shied away from a challenge.
Sergeant Swartbooi said
Ms Abrahams, 38, had worked the night shift but would come to the station around 10am ready to help where she could.
“She took her job very seriously and would never discuss a case with anyone.
“She will be missed for her willingness to help, to make others smile and laugh and her enthusiasm for life,” he said.
Deborah Abrahams, a colleague but no relation, described her as a very sweet and loving people’s person who went out of her way for others.
“She was always up for a challenge, she made everyone laugh in meetings and really just gave herself to the community.
I will miss her smile and the way she always made an entrance at any function.
“She looked out for the next person and if she wasn’t able to help that person she would make calls until she found someone that could but she’d never turn anyone away.”
Ms Abrahams leaves behind a daughter and son.