Stellenbosch police are investigating various murders that took place since the start of August, and anyone with information that could assist the various investigations is requested to come forward.
Sunday 3 August was a particularly bloody day.
Responding to a complaint about a robbery, local police arrived at Watergang, Kayamandi at 06:40 to find an unknown man lying on the ground face up. According to Capt Nathalie Martin, Stellenbosch police spokesperson, the victim have multiple injuries to the head and face. “The ambulance personnel declared the victim dead on the scene. No arrests have been made in connection with this case.”
Later that morning police were in Nkanini around 08:50 and found a man lying outside his house. “This victim had a stabbed wound to the left side of his chest and was declared dead by ambulance personnel. Two suspects were arrested and are in custody.”
That afternoon police were called to Stellenbosch to attend to a suspected murder. Arriving at the hospital around 13:00, they were informed by medical personnel that a man had come to the facility the day before, Saturday 2 August, around 22:30, with a stab wound to the head, was admitted and died on Sunday. No arrest had been made.
Such bloodshed seemed to continue into the working week. On Monday the 4th police arrived in Second Avenue, Kayamandi and community members directed them to a shack where they found a woman lying on the floor with no signs of life. Medical personnel declared her dead on the scene and noted a gunshot wound on the left arm. No arrests had been made.
On Wednesday morning, 6 August, police received a complaint of a shooting in Zone J. They arrived at an address in Bassi Street to find an unknown male lying face down, “unresponsive with gunshot wounds to the body,” Martin related. “Ambulance personnel declared the victim dead on the scene.
“Stellenbosch police are calling on the community to support efforts to combat murder and violent crimes in Kayamandi. The police are deeply concerned about the ongoing loss of life in our communities. These are not just statistics; behind every murder is a family in pain or a child without a parent. We cannot fight this crisis alone.”
Police urgently call on residents to assist with these “senseless killings”. “Speak out when you know something,” said Martin, “silence protects criminals.”
She said cooperating with investigations saves lives. “Reject violence as a way of solving tensions; choose peace. Together we can bring murderers to justice, prevent future killings and create a safer, more peaceful society.”
Contact Stellenbosch police on 021 809 5012/15 or 082 522 1912.
