A 32-year-old woman survived a severe knife attack on a notoriously dangerous open field in George Park, Strand late last Tuesday afternoon (25 April) while on her way home from work.
Despite being stabbed several times, she alleged her attacker was an ex-boyfriend who had threatened her earlier that day.
Just minutes later the suspect was apprehended by Afriforum Strand Patrol Neighbourhood Watch along Boschendal Street in Die Bos suburb, where the weapon was also recovered and handed over to police.
According to local resident Philip Coetzee, the woman is an employee of his at the Laundry House in De Kock Street.
“My employees had just knocked off work and they often make use of the open field nearby, which is a thoroughfare for many working in the area to get to and from work,” he said. “But it is also a notorious no-go zone where muggings and attacks are frequent.”
Coetzee related how he had heard screams and a commotion, and on investigation saw one of his employees covered in blood, bleeding profusely. Some onlookers ran to the Strand Fire Station nearby to call for help and a while later an ambulance arrived.
The woman had sustained wounds to her head, arms and upper back.
“It was just a really emotional scene,” her employer said. “People were distressed and angry, reminded of the dangers that lurk on that open field. Even if this attack was planned by this woman’s ex, the fact remains this park threatens innocent people every single day.”
KC Gericke of Afriforum Strand Patrol said one of the group’s patrollers responded, obtained a description of the suspect and immediately went in pursuit.
“The suspect was cornered in Die Bos and found with the weapon, which was still stained with blood,” he said.
“Other patrollers also arrived on location and effected a citizen’s arrest, on the request of Strand police. The suspect, afterwards, was handed over at Strand Police Station.”
The police confirmed the incident as well as the arrest of a suspect, who was charged with attempted murder and appeared before the Strand Magistrates’ Court last week. He remained in police custody.
Ward 85 Councillor Chantal Cerfontein expressed sadness at the stabbing incident and concurred residents are absolutely correct that the area surrounding George Business Park and Weltevreden have a high crime rate, but that it was mostly related to house and car break-ins.
“Stabbing is taking it to another level,” she said. “We are looking at measures to tackle the crime and nip it in the bud in conjunction with volunteers from the Ward 85 community.”
Role-players such as Strand police, Afriforum Buurtwag, Talisman, Bobby on the Beat, Correctional Services, City Solid Waste and community members joined forces to attempt to clear the long reeds along the canal of Boundary and Onverwacht main roads.
“This is where criminals hide their weapons,” she said “I would like everyone to get involved to keep our neighbourhoods safe and clean, but we need the local community to come on board and take back our communities and not allow crime to fester.”
