Shot at while angling to put food on his family's table
Jody Rademeyer.was shot at while angling to put food on the table for his family. He is fighting for his life.
Image: Supplied
The False Bay angling community has been left reeling after Jody Rademeyer known among fishermen for his big heart, positive spirit, and unwavering passion for the ocean was shot multiple times during an attack at Sonwabe in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Rademeyer, who fished not only as a hobby but also to provide for his family, was shot in the head, arm and chest while out angling at one of False Bay’s most well-known fishing spots.
In a viral voice note circulating among anglers, his mother pleads for prayers for her son, describing the severity of his injuries and saying: “My child needs a miracle.”
She also urged fellow anglers to prioritise their safety. The family has asked for privacy as they process the trauma.
Rademeyer is currently still recovering in hospital.
An angler speaking on condition of anonymity explained that Rademeyer had likely been sitting in his car at Long Parking to monitor both his fishing line and his vehicle, a precaution in response to increasing car break-ins and theft in the area.
“You can see this because his fishing pole was still on the shore. He was most likely watching it to see when the fish would bite, but also keeping an eye on his vehicle, because the skelms here take any chance they get,” the angler said.
He said the attack reflects a growing fear among fishermen.
“Fishing isn’t safe anymore. I’ve been coming here for years. The areas around these spots are full of opportunists. A few years ago, they broke into my car and tried to steal it. It’s not just about theft, the coast isn’t safe at all. There are people watching every movement, waiting for you to get distracted while you fish.”
He described how many anglers fish to support their families, not just as a hobby.
“Some of us are running charter services, taking people out every day, but many fish to feed their families. They come from Mitchells Plain, Bishop Lavis… about 50% of us are putting food on the table with this. When something like this happens, it hits home.
“You start thinking: ‘Am I next? Can I even keep fishing?’ Some of our group, almost 2 000 strong, are saying they might sell their tackle and stop fishing altogether.”
The angler also spoke about the precautions fishermen take due to repeated criminal activity in the area.
“People will ask what he was doing in his car that time of the morning, we sit in our cars while our rods are in the water. That’s why Jody was probably in his vehicle. The rod stand shows he was fishing, but we keep an eye on the car. That’s how it’s become.
“You can’t be away from your car for long or they’ll take it or break into your car.
"Yes, Law Enforcement has offices nearby, but it doesn’t feel like anyone is patrolling the coastline.
“Opportunists skelms know when to strike, especially at sunrise and sunset when the fish are active.”
Sandy Schuter-Flowers, chairperson of the Strandfontein CPF, has appealed to the fishing community to prioritise safety.
“The other thing I would like to appeal to the fishing community, not only at the Strandfontein coastal area, right down this coastal line, is fish in numbers. I cannot stress it enough.
“Fish in numbers. Do not come alone and stand in a dark, secluded space by the parking area while walking down to the water where nobody can see you. If you are a licensed firearm holder, do not leave your firearm or valuables in the vehicle. If at any point you feel unsafe, phone the police. Do not fish alone.
“Fish in numbers. Inform your family members exactly where you will be whether Broken Roads or Lovers Lane and check in regularly to confirm you are safe.”
She added that while the meeting on 9 December is outside her precinct, she intends to attend because it directly affects the safety of her community’s fishermen.
She emphasised the importance of cooperation between police precincts. “When something happens like this tragic incident, if Strandfontein is there, we will respond, but we will inform Muizenberg, as it is ultimately their responsibility. Our resources are limited, but we strive to provide safety for everybody. Both stations need to step up and ensure visibility along the coast.”
Captain FC van Wyk, spokesperson for Muizenberg police, confirmed that they are investigating cases of attempted murder and carjacking following the incident, which occurred between 01:00 and 02:00 on 2 December 2025 at Sonwabe Beach on Baden Powell Drive.
“According to reports, the complainant was sitting in his car waiting for his friend when a black VW Polo pulled up next to him. Four unidentified males got out and robbed him. The suspects were armed with firearms. They shot his friend on the side of his head and drove off with his red Toyota Corolla,” van Wyk said.
The motive is believed to be robbery.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile app anonymously.
Anglers will be meeting at Stranfontein Pavillion on Tuesday 9 December at 19:00 to discuss a way forward.