A fatal confrontation in Bo-Kaap on Friday evening resulted in the death of a 48-year-old car guard, Waleed Abrahams. The altercation occurred between Abrahams and private security officers from Cerberus Tactical Security.
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The argument reportedly began earlier in the day, when a 14-year-old boy was allegedly slapped by a security guard. In response, the boy’s uncle confronted the guard, leading to a physical altercation. The situation escalated as community members intervened, resulting in the security officers beating several individuals.
According to IOL, the security guards left but later returned. As chaos ensued, residents threw bricks at the security officers, prompting them to retaliate further. Waleed Abrahams, attempting to flee, slipped and fell. While on the ground, he was shot in the chest and stabbed in the heart.
Bo-Kaap neighbourhood watch chairperson Ebrahiem Christian said the suspect, a private security guard, claimed self-defence, alleging that Abrahams had shot at him first. However, no additional firearm was found at the scene.
Christian highlighted ongoing tensions, with security guards overstepping their authority, physically removing car guards, and engaging in violent behaviour.
The security company, Cerberus Tactical Security, has not responded to inquiries.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the incident is under investigation, and an adult male has been arrested.
‘Cape Town Central police responded to a complaint on Friday. Upon arrival at Van der Meulen Street in Bo-Kaap, they found the body of an identified man who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
‘The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The motive for the attack was an argument. Cape Town Central police are investigating a case of murder.’
The suspect appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
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