Fishermen in False Bay seek answers at urgent meeting following Jody Rademeyer's shooting

Fear and frustration are set to collide on Tuesday night as False Bay’s fishing community gathers at Fishermen’s Lane for a 7pm meeting after the shooting of angler Jody Rademeyer. More than a thousand fishermen are mobilising, pushing long-standing safety concerns into the open.

Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais issued a detailed response ahead of the meeting. “I firstly wish to express my sympathy to the family and friends of Jody Rademeyer. This was a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with all,” she said.

Marais confirmed that SAPS is investigating and noted that Muizenberg SAPS, Strandfontein SAPS and the City’s Law Enforcement conduct regular patrols along the coastline.

She highlighted new surveillance measures, saying: “A CCTV project along this route has recently been completed, with six cameras now operational between Prince George Drive and the N2. This marks a significant step forward in improving monitoring and deterrence efforts.”

But Marais warned that lighting gaps and isolation remain major concerns. “Unfortunately, criminals continue to exploit the isolation of the coastline during off-peak times,” she said.

She urged anglers to work together: “My plea to the fishing community is to take every possible precaution to stay safe… please remain in contact with fellow anglers, fish in groups, participate in local community safety structures like the Community Policing Forums (CPFs) and Neighbourhood Watches, and build relationships with your local police station.” Marais also encouraged fishermen to become CPF stakeholders, saying it would “create a platform for direct discussions with SAPS.”

Rademeyer was shot in the early hours of last Tuesday at Strandfontein Beach. Police said he and a companion had arrived to fish when a black VW Polo pulled up and four armed men approached, robbed them and shot Rademeyer in the head before fleeing with his red Toyota Corolla. He was taken to hospital, where friends said he was responsive and breathing on his own.

The attack triggered a surge of online organising. An online group created after the shooting grew to more than a thousand members within hours, drawing fishermen, residents, CPF members and law enforcement officials. Many anglers described years of warnings about crime along the False Bay coast.

The mobilisation comes despite several recent upgrades, including the R25 million redevelopment of Fishermen’s Lane in 2023 and a major Strandfontein Pavilion overhaul scheduled for early 2026. Many fishermen say safety has not improved at the same pace.

As tensions rise ahead of tonight’s meeting, fishermen say they want clear commitments and long-term policing solutions. Marais’ response acknowledges their anger but emphasises cooperation. The turnout at Fishermen’s Lane will show just how deeply the community’s frustrations now run.

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