The body of a 41-year-old homeless man was discovered in Leeuwen Street, Bo-Kaap, on Saturday night.
Ebrahiem Christians, chairman of the Bo-Kaap Neighbourhood Watch, said they were the first on the scene just before midnight after being notified by a resident that someone was lying lifeless in the street.
“The information we got is that this person was chased into the area (Bo-Kaap), it happened in Buitengracht street and he ran into Leeuwen Street where he was found, there is a trail of blood which shows where he came from,” said Mr Christians.
“Law Enforcement and SAPS arrived minutes later and the paramedics as well, he was declared dead at the scene,” he said.
SAPS confirmed that they are investigating a case of murder.
“According to reports the body was found by a passer-by who informed the neighbourhood watch and police,” said Colonel Natasha Thomas, section commander of support services for Cape Town Central police.
According to Osman Shaboodien, chairman of Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers’ Association (BKCRA), private security has been established in the area.
“The incident is tragic. We have experienced an upsurge of criminality due to a number of factors, some beyond our control, for example load shedding, homelessness and opportunistic petty criminals,” said Mr Shaboodien.
“Over the last year a number of initiatives were launched by the police law enforcement through our sector police forum. We are not treating this as an isolated incident and call on all law enforcement agencies to step up their patrols.”
Fatima Dramat said the City of Cape Town needs to step up efforts to remove illegal occupants from the streets of the Bo-Kaap.
“The City of Cape Town needs to be accountable, the High Court, the DA as well as the ANC, where are you people? They want to make the Bo-Kaap a tourist attraction but they forget the people that live here, where is SAPS, where is their presence for the safety of the residents,” said Ms Dramat.
Anyone with any information about the case can contact Warrant Officer Neil Capoto at 021 467 8001 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
