In what is becoming an alarming trend in the area, the body of a 13-year-old boy was found near Alfred’s Tavern in Matjoks Swellendam during the early hours of May 25.
It has been reported that this marked the fourth homicide in this area in the last three months.
Witnesses at the scene told News62 that they had noticed the boy on the street during the early hours of the morning, but they were not aware that he had been stabbed.
“At about 4am we realised that he was dead so we informed the police,” the witness said.
It is further alleged that drugs abuse played a role in this murder.
“We did not see or hear a fight or anything like that, we just saw his body on the ground,” the witness added.
Provincial Police Spokesperson, Sergeant Christopher Spies said in a statement that police arrived on the scene at 5:30am where they discovered the body.
“According to reports available at this stage, police were summoned to the scene. Upon arrival the members found the teenager with wounds to his shoulder and face. He was declared dead by paramedics on scene.”
Spies added that the case docket was handed to the Swellendam Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) for further investigation.
A search for those responsible for the killing of the teenager is underway.
Assistance needed from the community
“The investigation officer, Sergeant Pedro Hendriks urged the public to come forward with any information which could lead to the arrest of the perpetrator/s. Anyone with information may contact the investigation officer at the FCS unit 0825221028 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.”
No arrests has been made.
“Investigation into the murder is at an early stage. The motive for the killing is yet to be established. It forms part of the ongoing police investigation.”
The Swellendam Child Protection Unit (CPU) as well as Swellendam Community Police Forum (CPF) was contacted for comment and both organizations said that they would release a statement at a later stage.
