City mourns Richard Ishmail

By Nadia Samie
11 January 2007

Former Managing Director of the Big Issue, Richard Ishmail, died in Groote Schuur Hospital yesterday, after he was attacked in his Woodstock home in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Ishmail sustained critical stab wounds, damaging his kidneys, intestine and spleen. Ishmail’s housemate and a friend found him lying in his bed later on Sunday. On lifting the blanket, they saw that the 43-year-old was bleeding profusely.

MEC for Cultural Affairs, Sport and Recreation, Whitey Jacobs, said that Ishmail's, "tragic demise occurs when the sad memories of losing Mr Taliep Pietersen in similar circumstances is still fresh in our minds.

"These unwarranted criminal acts should not be tolerated by our communities. It is unacceptable that a soldier of freedom and democracy who gave so much for his people could die like this. Mr Ismail has touched many lives to ensure a better life for all and will be forever remembered for being instrumental in bringing the first Homeless World Cup to Cape Town.

"On behalf of the sport fraternity of the Western Cape, we wish to convey our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. We pray that the police will act swiftly and quickly to bring his killers to justice," Jacobs said.

It is thought that Ishmail came home with someone from a party, as there was no sign of forced entry. His cellphone and bank card was taken but expensive equipment that was in the house remained untouched. Ishmail’s family, who arrived from Johannesburg, were wrestling with the difficult decision to turn off his life support when he died.

Police spokesperson Randall Stoffells says that the charge of attempted murder has been changed to murder. No arrests have yet been made. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime-Stop on 08600-10111.