Cape Town – A 32-year-old man is incredibly fortunate to be alive after a brutal assault in the early hours of Monday morning in Bishop Lavis. The man was stabbed multiple times, set alight, and then abandoned in Jessica Street.
The victim, who remains unidentified, sustained horrific injuries, including three stab wounds – one above his left eye, one to the back of his neck, and another on the left side of his neck. He also suffered burn wounds to both upper arms, his stomach, and his back.
The man's life was saved by a passing chauffeur who noticed what he initially thought was burning clothes at around 5am. The good Samaritan, who wishes to remain anonymous for his own safety, was on his way home to Bishop Lavis after dropping off passengers at Cape Town International Airport.
He recounted the harrowing scene: “I was first on the scene after dropping people off at the airport, when I saw clothes burning."
"I did not know it was a person burning but as I got close I saw this guy was moving. I got out of my vehicle and extinguished the fire with sand because there was nobody who was outside to assist with water."
The quick-thinking chauffeur continued, “I saw the man was stabbed. I think he was assaulted somewhere else and dumped there because he had on a white top that was covered in blood but the spot where he was laying, there was no blood. He had wounds in his head and stab wounds just above his eye which was swollen.”
The chauffeur expressed his relief at being able to help, stating, “He is lucky to be alive and I am happy I was at the right place at the right time because his clothes were burned to his body. I don’t feel like a hero because that could have been one of my family members, but I am thankful I was able to be a helping hand.”
Amanda Davids, Chairperson of the Bishop Lavis Community Police Forum, confirmed that she was alerted to the incident by concerned residents. She immediately contacted emergency services to request urgent medical assistance.
Davids explained: “I received a message from a community member that a male was dumped in Jessica Street just before 6am this morning. He was bleeding and set alight. I contacted an ambulance and they responded very quickly.”
Constable Ndakhe Gwala, the police spokesperson, confirmed that an attempted murder case has been opened and is currently under investigation by Bishop Lavis police.
Constable Gwala stated: “This office confirms that Bishop Lavis police are investigating a case of attempted murder, following an incident that occurred at Jessica Street, Bishop Lavis."
“According to reports, a 32-year-old male was stabbed and set alight by unknown suspects. He sustained three stab wounds, one above his left eye, on the back of his neck and on the left side of his neck. He also burned both upper arms, his stomach and back.”
The motive behind this brutal attack remains unknown and is a key focus of the ongoing police investigation. Authorities are appealing to anyone with information that may assist in identifying the perpetrators to come forward and assist with their inquiries. The incident has left many residents in Bishop Lavis deeply concerned, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the community in combating violent crime. The police are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help ensure the safety and security of the area. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
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