Residents gathered in Lower Tokai on Saturday 7 March to mark 10 years since the murder of 16-year-old Franziska Blöchliger. She was found raped and killed in the fynbos near the edge of the plantation in 2016.
The commemorative walk began at 09:00 at the Ribbon Gate, where participants received ribbons before walking to the murder site.
The group then walked the perimeter of Lower Tokai before returning through the forest.
Community organisations support the event
The event was organised by Parkscape, a voluntary advocacy non-profit organisation (NPO). This organisation focuses on ensuring safety and protecting the urban forest. In addition, it works to protect cultural landscapes and biodiversity in buffer zones and wildland-urban interfaces.
Community partners also supported the initiative.
Parkscape said in a statement the anniversary remained deeply significant for residents who use the forest regularly.
“The community has not forgotten what happened here. The walk was a way to honour Franziska’s life while reminding ourselves why safe public spaces matter,” the organisation said.
A tragedy that shocked the community
Franziska’s murder shocked the community and sparked concern about safety in the Lower Tokai area.
On the day of her murder, residents arriving for a walk encountered emergency vehicles. These vehicles gathered near the corner of Dennendal West Avenue and Orpen Road.
Members of the Kirstenhof Crime Watch later confirmed the tragedy to residents nearby.
Community action after the incident
In the aftermath, local residents began organising more actively around the safety and future use of the forest.
Parkscape was formed shortly after the incident. It advocates for safe, biodiverse and shaded urban parks in the buffer zones of Table Mountain National Park.
According to the organisation, it continues to push for spaces where families, children and women can move safely.
“Our aim has always been to create urban parks where people feel safe to walk, run, ride bicycles and spend time outdoors,” it said.
Renewed commitment to safer public spaces
Nicky Schmidt, founder of Parkscape, said the 10-year anniversary was an important moment for reflection. It is also a time for recommitment to safer public spaces.
“We remember Franziska Blöchliger, Sinoxolo Mafevuka and other victims of gender-based violence each year. Marking 10 years since Franziska’s murder was a way for the community to honour her memory. In addition, it was a way to renew our commitment to safe, shaded spaces in Lower Tokai, particularly for women and children.
“About 60 to 80 people joined the commemorative walk. Since 2016 we have developed a community safety model that focuses on visible presence through regular patrols. These patrols involve partners including SANParks, Law Enforcement, SAPS reservists and neighbourhood watches.
“Increased presence remains one of the strongest deterrents to opportunistic crime, and we continue working with authorities to improve safety in the area.”
Ongoing efforts to keep parks safe
Parkscape said the annual walk forms part of broader efforts to keep attention on safety in public spaces. Moreover, it aims to encourage community involvement in protecting local parks.
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