A stabbing incident in Hawston has led to the arrest of a man in connection with the attempted murder of Marlo Hendricks (25).

Police confirmed that an attempted murder case was opened on 27 September following a stabbing in Hawston.

Information provided by the community claims that the incident happened on 21 September, while police confirmed that it happened at approximately 23:15.

The adult male suspect was arrested on 5 October and appeared in court the following day, 6 October. This is according to Thembakazi Mpendukana of provincial police.

He appeared in the Hermanus Magistrates’ Court in connection with the attempted murder of Hendricks.

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Community concern over rising violence

The arrest comes against the backdrop of community concern over violent incidents in Hawston.

Earlier this week, Hermanus Times reported on the fatal stabbing of 28-year-old James Henn. Henn was also a Hawston resident.

In response to the Hendricks incident, a group identifying itself as Hawston Community United for Safety and Justice has circulated a petition calling for the prosecution to oppose bail for the suspect.

The petition raises concerns about stabbings, murders, theft and alleged drug-related activity in the community.

“We cannot continue to wait until another person is seriously injured or another family loses a loved one,” the statement reads.

It is addressed to the Hermanus Magistrates’ Court, the police, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Overstrand Law Enforcement and the Hawston Neighbourhood Watch.

The petition asks the prosecution to place relevant information about the seriousness of the alleged offence, the safety of the victim and potential witnesses and any relevant criminal history before the court when considering bail.

It also calls for increased police visibility and patrols, particularly at night and during the early hours of the morning.

Additionally, it calls for regular law-enforcement operations targeting violent crime, drug-related activity and illegal weapons.

More petition demands

Among its other demands are improved protection for victims and witnesses.

Furthermore, it demands investigations into repeat offending with relevant and stronger cooperation between police, municipal law enforcement, neighbourhood watch structures and residents.

The petition acknowledges that accused persons have constitutional and legal rights and that bail decisions must be made independently by the court based on the law and evidence presented.

“We are not calling for vigilantism or unlawful action. We are calling for law enforcement, accountability, justice and community safety,” reads the statement.

The community’s call for the suspect to be denied bail remains a request.

And it is not yet clear whether a bail application has been heard or what decision the court may make.

The suspect’s identity, circumstances surrounding the stabbing and the status of any bail proceedings have not been confirmed in the police response.

Community members joined Hendricks’ family on Friday 9 October when the suspect appeared in court.