Residents from the quiet coastal suburb of Fish Hoek are on edge following the murder of a young woman, and news that a violent parolee has disappeared from house arrest.
The body of 22-year-old Rachel Otte was found last Friday. Local police believe she was killed during a break-in and robbery, a crime that has shattered the seaside town’s sense of security.
Otte, originally from East London, had built a life around her love of photography. After graduating from Vega, Otte worked as a photographic and digital designer.
She had been renting a cottage on Echo Road in Fish Hoek. Her body was discovered on the morning of 7 November inside the cottage.
Fish Hoek known for being ‘crime-free’
Another former East Londoner living in the South Peninsula, who chose to remain anonymous, said the quiet community are rattled by the events.
“Fish Hoek is a relatively crime-free community,” they said. “This has shaken many residents as the area is regarded as well-serviced by neighbourhood safety organisations.”
Adding to the community’s anxiety is the news that a parolee linked to violent crimes has goes missing in the area.
On Wednesday Fish Hoek SAPS issued a statement, saying that a “person of interest,” who had violated his parole conditions, had been seen in Fish Hoek in October.
Malusi Stimela (Victor) was found guilty in 2006 regarding a case of rape, attempted murder and burglary in 2005 in Fish Hoek. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison, but is currently out on parole.
According to the False Bay Echo, SAPS insist the notice is not linked to Otte’s murder, but was being shared purely in the interest of public safety.
Police have also issued a safety advisory urging Fish Hoek residents to stay vigilant, secure entry points, and exercise caution when arriving home or going out hiking in the area.
