The entrance to Van Der Meulen Street from Dorp Street.
The Bo-Kaap community is divided after the arrest of Cameron Aberdeen, owner of Cerberus Tactical Security (CTS), in connection with the fatal shooting of a man in Bo-Kaap on Friday night.
Mr Aberdeen appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday, February 5, charged with the murder of Waleed Abrahams, 48.
The case has been postponed to Thursday February 8 and Mr Aberdeen remains in custody.
The Atlantic Sun visited the scene of the crime in Van Der Meulen Street, and neighbours were reluctant to go on record about the incident.
On a Bo-Kaap Facebook page, some residents accused the security company of being aggressive toward the car-guards while others said they were pleased with the service that CTS provided.
SAPS Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi says Cape Town Central police are investigating a case of murder.
“Upon arrival in Van der Meulen Street in Bo-Kaap, they found the body of an unidentified man who sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The motive for this attack is an argument. We can confirm that an adult male was arrested and will make a court appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court,” said Warrant Officer Swartbooi.
The Atlantic Sun requested comment from the City of Cape Town and Law Enforcement on the incident and crime in the area, but received no response as of the time of publication.
The Bo-Kaap Civic Ratepayers’ Association issued a statement saying that as a community, they are committed to introspection and offering support where needed during this challenging time.
“The loss of life underscores the urgency for all stakeholders to unite and prevent further escalation of violence. It is regrettable that our community members feel compelled to put their lives at risk to safeguard their valuables, and we call upon SAPS to take immediate and effective action,” the statement said.
There are 130 households, including businesses, that have enrolled with the community’s security project and last year residents raised funds to assist CTS safeguard the area (“Bo-Kaap residents raise funds for security”, June 8, 2023).