FOLLOW-UP: Residents demand wall repairs following Chad murder

Residents of Third Avenue, Northmead, and surrounding areas have become increasingly security conscious, with some beefing up security at their homes.

This follows the murder of Chad Botha (29).

Botha was fatally stabbed while his fiancé Keshna Schoeman sustained six stab wounds when criminals accosted them in their home on October 13.

The attackers allegedly used kitchen knives that were on the couple’s drying rack.

Danney McLean, a long-time resident in the street, contacted the Benoni City Times claiming that a boundary wall bordering the N12 highway, which collapsed following severe rain in 2018, is giving would-be criminals easy access to the suburb and has created a quick escape route.

“I cannot say if Botha’s attackers took advantage of the broken wall that night, but I feel that in its current state it is allowing a lot of foot traffic into our suburb,” he said.

“We are all scared following Botha’s death and feel that our concerns should be addressed.”
McLean said it is heart-breaking that such a brutal crime was committed, but issues such as the broken wall should be addressed instead of the metro and government being reactive once tragedy strikes.

Quinton Oosthuizen agreed saying that whenever a crime is committed in the area, residents can be certain that the culprits will be seen fleeing across the N12.

“I was held up at gunpoint in my driveway at the end of last year. Once they got what they came for, the suspects fled across the highway,” said Oosthuizen.

“This is of grave concern. We have become prisoners in our own homes.”

Lornette Joseph, ward councillor for the area, confirmed that residents have contacted her on numerous occasions regarding the collapsed wall.

“It falls under the jurisdiction of SANRAL and, therefore, all remedial work needs to be undertaken by them,” she said.

“The matter has been brought to the relevant department’s attention but thus far all efforts to get something done have been futile.”

She added that an application has been submitted to the Gauteng Department of Community Safety requesting that fencing be erected from Tom Jones Street to the Putfontein off-ramp.

“If approved, this fence should deter unwanted foot traffic and add an additional sense of security,” said Joseph.

Family pleading for CCTV footage
Following the murder, Keshna has taken to social media advocating for communities to not only stand in solidarity in the fight against crime but to offer support to local police officers.

“It has been incredibly tough. Our lives have been turned upside down and will never go back to normal,” she said.

“The investigating officer assigned to our case has been kind in answering my calls, but our police are under immense pressure and drowning under their caseloads.

“Without interfering with the investigation, I am trying to get my hands on any evidence that may help.”
Keshna is appealing to anyone who has CCTV footage of the day of the attack to make it available to her.

“Cameras may have captured images of our attackers or perhaps a vehicle that was used. It may not seem like much, but any visuals could help in bringing Chad’s killers to book,” she said.

According to Botha’s sister, Cara-Lee West, he will forever be remembered as a real-life hero.

“My brother was a friend to all and was always there to help,” said West.

“Chad was a lover of life and loved to joke and make people laugh. He was an amazing uncle, playing with his nieces and nephews and teaching them life lessons along the way,” she said.

Speaking about survivors of crimes and families that are torn apart when a loved one is murdered, Keshna said that finding those responsible is the only way to really get closure.

“We cannot simply point a finger at the police. We all have a role to play, whether it is by reporting suspicious activities or sharing footage that may have captured suspected criminals.”

Anyone with footage which might be useful in the investigation may contact 078 360 0783.

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