Kimberley CBD murder sparks alarm over witness protection

AN EYEWITNESS who was placed under witness protection and fled to Kimberley for his safety was stabbed to death in Craven Street in the CBD.

The release of a suspect implicated in the brutal murder has raised troubling concerns about the protection of vulnerable witnesses.

The deceased, Collen Phillipus, 36, sought refuge in Kimberley after witnessing a murder in Kuilsriver, Cape Town.

City residents, local businesses – including a funeral parlour – Sol Plaatje Municipality and even street children all stepped in to ensure that Phillipus received a dignified burial this week.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the Kimberley SAPS Serious and Violent Crimes Unit is investigating a murder case following the fatal stabbing that took place in Craven Street, in the Kimberley CBD, on January 25 at 5.30pm.

“A 27-year-old male person of interest was taken in by the police for questioning and later released. The police request the assistance of the public who might have information regarding this incident to report it to the nearest police station, or contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Immanuel Jeffries, on 082 302 0407, or call the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS app. All information received will be treated confidentially,” he said.

Phillipus separated from family at a young age

The victim’s mother, Saartjie Morgan, said she last saw her son eight years ago.

“He was born in Carnarvon (Northern Cape) and we moved to Kalkfontein in the Western Cape when he was 12 months old,” she said.

Morgan added that her son had been separated from his family at a young age after witnessing the murder in Cape Town.

Ryno Fourie from Roodepan said he gave Phillipus a place to stay in Kimberley as he had been living on the streets.

“I know how tough street life is, as I was also subjected to living under those conditions. It is common for people to steal the clothes off your back and the shoes off your feet. Phillipus did not receive justice – his killer is walking free and continues to intimidate the community,” Fourie said.

He added that the fridges at the mortuary were not in full operation and that the deceased’s skin had started to discolour before he was buried.

'The justice system has failed him'

Kimberley resident Selanché Wessels said no arrests were made in connection with the murder that Phillipus witnessed in Cape Town.

“Gang members involved in that murder were threatening and assaulting Phillipus. They continued to hound him when he ran for his life to Vanwyksvlei. He was traumatised and reluctant to speak about the incident.

“He managed to find some peace in Kimberley for 17 years, although he had to leave his family and did not know anyone when he moved here. He was living in a shanty in Roodepan but was forced onto the street when he lost his job,” she said.

Wessels added that Phillipus was bullied on the streets and subjected to harsh living conditions, including being robbed of his food and clothes.

“Although he was placed under witness protection, he had to fend for himself from the age of 19.”

She said Phillipus became involved in a fight with suspected gang members in the CBD on January 25.

“The group tried to steal a cooler box that Phillipus was carrying. During the tussle, he was stabbed in the back of his head. He was left to bleed to death in the street. I only learnt of his death the following day. He did not deserve to die in such a cruel manner.”

Wessels said the suspect who was arrested in connection with the murder was released due to a lack of evidence.

“The justice system failed Phillipus.”

She said Phillipus volunteered his services at Trinity Methodist Church.

“He was a self-taught keyboard player and played during praise and worship gatherings. He also helped in the soup kitchen and was eager to assist the less fortunate. He could do anything, including cleaning, fixing appliances and doing electrical work, and he refused to accept any payment.

“He was humble and kind. He had a good heart and was respectful to everyone. We gave him the nickname ‘Kapi’ to protect his identity and because he came from Cape Town,” she said.

Wessels indicated that they were raising money to buy a bus ticket to enable Phillipus to visit his mother later this year.

“He became like a son to me. He renewed his covenant with God and had big plans to change the course of his life. He wanted to undergo substance abuse rehabilitation and intended to make a fresh start.”

Community rallies to give Phillipus a dignified funeral

Esau Montzinger, who assisted in arranging the funeral, said Phillipus found a home and family in Kimberley.

“Collen struggled to survive on the streets – finding somewhere to sleep and eat for more than 10 years. He yearned to reach out to his mother, but he was afraid that someone might trace him.”

He added that Wessels and Fourie became his “foster parents” and ensured that he had clothes, food and a roof over his head.

“Anyone can find themselves on the street. After Phillipus was stabbed on January 25, there was no one to assist him and his body could not be released from the mortuary as he had no relatives living in Kimberley.

“Fourie, Wessels and I stepped in so that he did not have to have a pauper’s burial. We do not expect anything in return; we did it because we are representing everyone who is living on the street and needs to feel loved.”

Montzinger said street children also contributed towards the funeral expenses.

“This enabled us to purchase a coffin and buy refreshments for the mourners. We also collected money so that his mother and aunt could travel from Cape Town to attend the funeral. His mother is a pensioner and there was no funeral policy for him,” he said.