Bonteheuwel murder: Arrest made after activist killed in domestic dispute
Police have made a breakthrough in the murder of Bonteheuwel activist Shireen Birch.
Western Cape police spokesperson, Captain Frederick van Wyk, said a man was arrested on Wednesday and charged with murder.
He is due to appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court soon.
The well-known activist was stabbed multiple times in her home in Assegaai Avenue on Tuesday, just after 3 pm, during a domestic dispute.
She was rushed to a local hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
At the time, her husband was believed to have gone on the run.
Bonteheuwel Ward Councillor, Angus McKenzie, who previously described the deceased as present, committed, and deeply passionate about her community, expressed his gratitude to all involved for tracking down the suspect.
“Let me be absolutely clear, we will do everything in our power and formally petition the court to ensure that no bail is granted. Justice must be served, and the safety of our community remains our top priority,” McKenzie said.
He also thanked the community for working closely with authorities.
“This outcome was only possible because of a community that refuses to be silent, that chooses to stand together, and that believes in protecting one another. Once again, thank you to everyone who played their part and worked with me to ensure this result,” McKenzie added.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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