Clifton Beach murder: Another youngster stabbed to death

A 16-year-old was stabbed to death near Clifton Beach (Cape Town) on Saturday evening, as teenagers descended on the popular location to celebrate the end of their matric exams. Details remain sketchy about what happened to the victim from Langa, but local politicians have already placed the blame with police inefficiency.

Clifton beach stabbing – latest news:

Nicola Jowell is the current Ward 54 councillor. She confirmed that the victim was stabbed in the chest as he made his way up to the main road. Despite a small police presence operating in the area due to a nearby film event, the community leader was left outraged by ‘a lack of organisation’ from SAPS.

“On Saturday night at approximately 22:45, a young man from Langa was fatally stabbed (in the chest) on Victoria Road, Clifton. He sadly passed away due to his injury and my condolences to his family and friends.”

“There needs to be better early warning systems and proper seasonal deployment to SAPS Camps Bay Station. A SAPS Imbizo was called for seven weeks ago, and for the Provincial Commissioner to be present but that has not been done. SAPS have to form part of the safety plan for the area.”

Nicola Jowell

16-year-old stabbed during matric party

This is the second time in two months that a teenager has been stabbed to death on this beach. A first-year student at the University of Cape Town lost his life in September, as violence broke out in Clifton. Two couples were attacked by robbers and asked for their cellphones. After a struggle, two men were stabbed by the suspects, and 19-year-old Cebo Mbatha succumbed to his injuries.

One-time city councillor Jacques Weber says that this latest tragic incident should force the authorities in Cape Town to put more money towards extra staff and properly-paid overtime hours. He blamed “cutbacks” on last night’s stabbing, branding the death as “unacceptable”.

“Last night’s events in Clifton are simply unacceptable and highlights the need for urgent intervention in terms of policing. I have been informed that the City’s Safety Department has cut back on additional overtime, leaving most stations empty or running with just one staff member outside of peak hours.”

“Overtime bills within the city can be heavy, and in terms of budgeting, it’s often an issue. But then ensure you have enough staff deployed within a service to do away with overtime. You cannot cancel additional overtime when you do not have the necessary numbers on normal shifts.”

Jacques Weber

CLIFTON: Last night's events in Clifton are simply unacceptable and highlights the need for urgent intervention in terms of Policing.

I can confirm that there was sadly a fatal stabbing in the Clifton Parking area… https://t.co/OPWyWhC7wz

— Jacques Weber (@jacquesweber) December 1, 2019