A Bonteheuwel wife was allegedly murdered by her husband, says the ward councillor for the area.

Ward Councillor for Bonteheuwel, Angus McKenzie, expressed his anger over another violent murder in Cape Town, which he believed to be an incident of gender-based violence.

He says the murder occurred in Assegaai Avenue, Bonteheuwel, on Tuesday, 3 February. McKenzie says a woman, identified as Shireena Birch, was brutally stabbed to death, allegedly by her husband, who fled the scene.

The police have since confirmed that the husband has been arrested and is due to appear in court.

“I am deeply disturbed and angered by a violent murder that has taken place in Assegaai Avenue, Bonteheuwel,” said McKenzie.

McKenzie yesterday assured the community that every single law enforcement and SAPS officer in the Bonteheuwel area was actively on the lookout for him.

“There will be no hiding. He will be found, he will be arrested, and he will be charged,” he added.

On Wednesday afternoon, the husband handed himself over to the authorities.

The Ward Councillor also issued a statement, paying tribute to Birch:

This is not a name I speak lightly. I knew Shireena Birch well. She visited my office on numerous occasions.

Birch 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.”

I will miss the deep love she carried for her family

I will sorely miss Shireena, her laughter and her passion for her community, as well as the deep love she carried for her family.

Let me be absolutely clear, I will be at the forefront of ensuring that when the perpetrator of this horrendous crime is brought before the courts, bail is never, ever an option.

Justice must be firm, swift, and uncompromising.

Shireena’s murder must serve as a clarion call to every woman:

Your smile, your strength, your joy, and your passion should never be used to mask pain, fear, or trauma inflicted by your own partner. And your life is worth more than silence.

Today, we mourn Shireena Birch.

Tomorrow, we fight for justice in her name.