Panic and fear has engulfed homeless people in Pretoria where a nocturnal prowler is attacking and viciously killing them in their sleep.
In the last few weeks, the bodies of five homeless men, who were bludgeoned and stabbed repeatedly, were discovered around Magnolia Dell Park in Muckleneuk.
The usually bustling park was more fairly deserted compared to other days, almost suggesting locals were still traumatised by the recent spate of killings.
Vusumuzi Makhanya, who recycles plastic and has made the park his home since 2016, said he lives in constant fear for his life.
"Can you think about it, there is someone out there out to get us, us who are poor, and kills us for no reason," he said shaking his head.
Makhanya said he plans to find another spot to live and sleep, somewhere where he can feel safe and not worry about his belongings when he leaves for the day.
He said forming bonds and building trust was also not that easy because people often look out for themselves only.
"But I would rather leave than die here," Makhanya said.
Since the killings, some visitors said they were cautious of their surroundings and opted to visit the park very early in the afternoon and leave just before sunset.
Others said they were undeterred by the recent incidents. “Whoever is killing people is not going to stop us from enjoying this city gem,” said David Oliphant, who was there with his partner.
Gauteng provincial police have constituted a high-level investigating team to find the killer and put a stop to the killings.
In a statement, police have said they are in the process of getting the homeless people into shelters.
- African News Agency (ANA)
