Three years ago, a shocking murder occurred at a popular Gordon’s Bay tavern. On September 10, 2020, Stephan Venter, a 40-year-old man who resided in the seaside village, was shot dead in broad daylight in the outside seating area of Tallas Tavern on Beach Road. The killing sent shock waves through the Helderberg community and a sense of fear among other patrons whose lives were also effectively at risk.
CCTV footage showed an unknown man getting off a motorbike which stopped opposite the tavern. He made his way across the road to the outside seating area where the victim allegedly had lunch. With his helmet still on, he approached the target and pulled out a gun. Moments later, the victim fell to the ground and the shooter returned to his bike and fled the scene.
Despite efforts to solve the crime and a case being opened, no arrests have been made in connection with the murder. Rumours that Venter had owed someone money and had met a man whom he argued with at the restaurant before the incident remain unconfirmed.
The unsolved Gordon’s Bay murder has left South African citizens in disbelief that violence of this kind can occur in broad daylight and not be solved. “There are a lot of things when it gets to cases,” says a concerned citizen. “The chances that anyone that was at the restaurant will be willing to give any statement that means anything is very slim. There is no chance for fingerprints or touch DNA. There is also a mentality that not even 1% of people that saw crimes committed refuse to come forward hiding behind the excuse they will be killed or whatsoever make it slimmer to be able to take cases to court with the hope of a guilty sentence.”
Three years later in 2023, the case is still unresolved. With no arrests and no leads, the Gordon’s Bay murder has gone cold and the hunt for the shooter continues.
This article was written by Jurno.