Bonteheuwel activist, fatally stabbed in suspected domestic violence incident

The community of Bonteheuwel is reeling with shock after one of its beloved activists, Shireena Birch, was stabbed to death during a gender-based violence attack, allegedly at the hands of her own husband.

Police have yet to confirm whether an arrest has been made in the murder, which took place at a residence in Assegaai Avenue on Tuesday.

Police spokesperson, Captain FC Van Wyk, said Birch had been stabbed in the head, back, and shoulder by her attacker and was declared dead on arrival at hospital.

“Circumstances surrounding a stabbing incident on Tuesday, February 3, at a premises in Assegaai Avenue, Bonteheuwel, in which an adult female was stabbed and fatally injured, are under investigation,” he detailed.

“The victim sustained stab wounds to the head and the back of her shoulder. Bishop Lavis police registered a murder case for investigation.

“According to reports, the members received a complaint of a person who was stabbed and declared deceased at a local hospital. On their arrival, they were shown the body of the deceased who was declared dead on arrival. The motive for this stabbing incident is yet to be determined.

“Anyone with information about this fatal incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.”

Ward councillor, Angus Mckenzie, who had known Birch personally and worked alongside her in the community, condemned the act of GBV and called for an imminent arrest, appealing to her attacker to hand himself over to the police.

“I was informed of the tragic and violent attack on Shireena that ultimately led to her murder,” he said. “This is not a name I speak lightly. I knew Shireena well. She visited my office on numerous occasions. She was a partner of mine in the work of making Bonteheuwel a better, safer place. She was present, committed, and deeply passionate about her community.

“And yet, despite knowing her, despite working alongside her, I did not know the extent of the abuse, the assault, the pain, and the trauma that Shireena endured daily at the hands of the man who was meant to protect her, her husband.

“As I write this, I have requested that every single police officer and law enforcement resource available in the area must search relentlessly and leave no stone unturned in locating the husband who is alleged to have carried out or orchestrated this heinous act."

Cape Argus has since reached out to her family and await their response in his tragic time.

​Sumaya Taliep, PR councillor who advocates for the rights of women and children also called for justice: " We refuse to accept this as our "normal." We must break the silence, dismantle the cycle of abuse, and ensure that our homes are no longer crime scenes.​Our Demand for Justice."

Siya Monakali of Ilitha labantu condemned the murder.

"The killing of Shireena Birch is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader gender-based violence crisis that continues to claim the lives of women across South Africa. It reflects ongoing failures in prevention, early intervention, and protection, particularly for women experiencing abuse behind closed doors," he said.

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