A field off Weltevreden Parkway, opposite Rondevlei Park, is being cleared, after the body of a young woman was found there last week.
She was lying about 40 metres from the road between bushes and trees. Police are investigating a case of murder and rape.
Hours after the body was found on Sunday April 26, community activist and deputy chairman of Mitchell’s Plain United Residents’ Association, Michael Jacobs, demanded that this field, bordered by Mitchells Avenue near Woodbury in Woodlands and Harmony Village be cleared.
He described it as the “bush of evil” because that was not the first body to be found there. Over the years a number of bodies had been found there,” he said.
Mr Jacobs supported a petition demanding that the City of Cape Town clear the area within two days.
Last week Raphael Martin, Sub-council 23 manager, confirmed that the land belonged to Cape Town Community Housing Company, who in partnership with the City was due to develop 900 additional residential units on the site.
Part of the housing project agreements is ensuring that a 50m periphery on the site were cleared at all times.
“Due to the extensive lockdown restrictions and the limited resources available bush clearing could not take place” said Mr Martin.
He said any overgrown field or bush becomes a safety hazard if it was not cleared regularly.
“We have asked the custodians to effect the clearing but this will only happen after lockdown. If, however, they are unable or unwilling to do so, the City will do the necessary and bill them accordingly.”
Mr Martin said while they are aware of the safety and security challenges residents face, they are also urged to be vigilant and to take safety precautions where they can at all times.
Joan Woodman, councillor for Ward 75 (Colorado Park, Morgen’s Village, Westgate, Wildwood, Rondevlei Park, Woodlands, parts of Weltevreden Valley, parts of Philippi, Highlands Village, Hyde Park, Westgate, including Westgate Mall and New Woodlands) was on site where the body was found on Monday May 4. “I am happy to report that a contractor was appointed and started working (clearing)on Monday May 4,” she said.