Cape Town – A 25-year-old mother has tragically died after being brutally attacked with a brick in a park in Lotus River, Cape Town. Grassy Park police are investigating the incident as a murder, following the death of the young woman who was reportedly trying to protect her seven-year-old son from a 17-year-old bully.
The horrific incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon in Eland Avenue, Lotus River. According to a witness, the mother intervened when she saw the older teen allegedly bullying her young son.
A neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the harrowing details: “We were told that she was first hit with a chain and later with a brick against her head. Her sister brought her from the park to my wendy house and she laid on my bed."
The neighbour continued, describing the desperate attempts to keep the injured woman conscious: "We tried to keep her awake the whole time but we couldn’t. I told my friend to help me put her inside the living room in her father's house because it is cooler inside than in my hok."
Tragically, their efforts were in vain. “When we brought her inside the house she was already gone,” the neighbour said.
The neighbour further explained the circumstances leading up to the attack: “They (the victim and suspect) had an argument because she was covering up for her son because this klong wanted to bully her seven-year-old son at the park. This klong that hit her is 17 years old and lives down the road.”
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the tragic event and stated that an investigation is underway.
“Grassy Park police registered a murder case for investigation following the death of a 25-year-old female in Eland Avenue, Lotus River on Wednesday afternoon, 26 March 2025," Twigg reported.
He added: “Police members attended to the crime scene where they found the victim with a wound to the back of her head. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and no arrests have been made yet.”
While the family of the deceased has declined to comment at this time, Howard Downes from the Grassy Park Community Police Forum (CPF) revealed that a suspect had been taken in for questioning in connection with the murder.
Downes provided further details about the events leading up to the attack: "Reports indicate that an argument ensued between the victim and the suspect at a local park at 11am yesterday morning. The victim left the park to her place of residence where she complained of a severe headache and fell asleep. Sadly she passed away at approximately 2pm."
The CPF strongly condemned the violence, with Downes stating: "This type of behaviour is unacceptable to the Grassy Park CPF as we do not condone any form of violence especially GBV [Gender-Based Violence]."
Downes also expressed concern about the broader issue of youth violence and disrespect for women: "The total disregard for respect of women and adults by the youth of today is a cause for concern. Community engagement and partnerships are vital to addressing the issues of GBV, violent crime and youth at risk at schools and youth in the community. Projects are being planned to address these serious concerns adversely affecting our communities."
The Grassy Park CPF is urging anyone with information about this incident to come forward and assist the police investigation. Anyone with any information about this incident to please contact Grassy Park SAPS on 021 700 3900 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
