Security company owner vindicated after murder charges withdrawn

A security company owner who spent nearly two years trying to clear his name after being accused of murdering a Bo-Kaap father has been vindicated after the charge against him was withdrawn, claiming he acted in self-defence - but that his reputation has been tarnished.

During an interview with the Cape Argus, Cameron Aberdeen, the owner of Cerberus Tactical Security (CTS), said that following his arrest and charge with the murder of Moegamat Abrahams and wounding a woman in Bo-Kaap in 2024, the charges against him were withdrawn last month.

He is now proceeding with legal action against the state, citing that he acted in self-defence on the day in question: “The charges affected me tremendously in both my personal life and my business, but this is a risk we accept from security providers.

“My intention to combat gangsterism and crime in Bo-Kaap ended abruptly when I was attacked and forced to defend myself and innocent bystanders.

“The Senior Public Prosecutor declined to prosecute on 17/11/2025 as the state could not provide sufficient evidence to prove the charges against me.

“I have already initiated the process of taking legal action against the state for wrongful arrest and damages to my and my business’ reputation.

“In this country, you are guilty until proven innocent. The news of the withdrawal came with immense relief after fighting this battle for nearly two years now. I’m looking forward to regaining my life and growing my company (Cerberus Tactical Security).”

Aberdeen’s attorney, Edmund Booth, confirmed the case was withdrawn against him, detailing that they were requesting Aberdeen’s firearm to be returned to him after it was confiscated following his arrest.

In a letter from the attorney, he states that his client had acted in self-defence. He explained that when one of the security officers was assaulted by street persons, Aberdeen’s cellphone was either lost or stolen. When officers demanded the return of the cellphone, he alleges that the street persons became violent and that a male person who ran from the shacks opened fire. Aberdeen returned fire, acting in self-defence, and later fully cooperated with authorities, only to be charged with murder and attempted murder.

“I ultimately received the attached email from SAPS Cape Town detectives, stating that the case was withdrawn by the senior public prosecutor. This obviously means that the prosecutor decided not to institute a prosecution against Mr. Aberdeen.

“I have subsequently demanded that his firearm be returned, but thus far I have not received further response from the SAPS. Should they not return his firearm shortly, I will launch a court application for an order compelling the SAPS to return his firearm.

“I confirm that I have also directed formal notices to the National Commissioner and Provincial Commissioners WC of SAPS of intention to institute an action for damages arising from Mr. Aberdeen’s arrest in February 2024. When the notice period has expired, a summons will be issued in the course of December 2025.”

Cape Argus also made attempts to reach the victim's family.

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Cape Argus