Suspect arrested in connection with the body discovered at Macassar Beach

A 41-year-old man was arrested on Monday evening, in connection with the body of a woman that was discovered on Macassar beach on 27 May 2023 by fisherman.

Western Cape police initially opened an inquest docket, but after an autopsy was conducted on the body, it was found that the victim was raped and eventually killed and dumped on Macassar beach.

According to reports, the victim has been identified as 23-year-old Sherileen Esak from Delft.

Four bodies have been found in the area recently, and Helfrich described the area as a ‘’dumping hotspot.’’

The police’s Malcolm Pojie said the investigation team obtained a warrant for the arrest of the suspect at the Bellville magistrates’ court.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Somerset West Magistrates’ court on a charge of murder on Thursday.

The Acting Provincial commissioner of the Western Cape, Maj Gen Bongani Maqashalala has praised the investigation team.

“This breakthrough will also bring some sort of comfort and closure to the bereaved family and loved ones of the deceased”

Maqashalala said that police will continue patrolling Macassar. He added that specialised detectives had been assigned to assist the local detective branch to probe the occurrences.

Maqashalala said the breakthrough will also bring some sort of comfort and closure to the bereaved family and loved ones of the deceased

Ward 109 councilor, Peter Helfrich, sent out a stern warning to those wanting to ‘’dump’ bodies in Macassar.

“I hope this teaches criminals that think they can get away with these types of crimes, especially the dumping of bodies, that it will never happen. You will be arrested! I hope the criminals that dumped the other three bodies also understand that we will not rest until they find themselves behind bars.”

“Criminals that brutally murder people like this must face the full might of the law. I really hope there will be justice for the four people that were murdered and dumped in our ward,’’ he added.

 

Done By: Sibulele Stuurman & Mitchum George