[imagesource:here]

There was tragic news coming out of Hout Bay over the weekend, with 44-year-old Ukrainian tourist Ivan Ivanov stabbed to death about 10 metres from the exit of the East Fort trail on Chapman’s Peak.

Ivanov was attacked by three men at around 11:30AM on Saturday morning, and was stabbed a number of times in the chest whilst the criminals tried to make off with his backpack.

He died of bleeding from the wounds on the trail.

Following the attack, the men made off in the direction of Hout Bay. Here’s IOL:

The one carrying the backpack was spotted by a civilian who alerted Hout Bay Community Police Forum (CPF).

CPF members managed to apprehend the suspect and hand him into custody, where the 25-year-old allegedly confessed to the robbery and stabbing and told cops where they would find Ivanov’s body.

His backpack, cellphone and other possessions were bagged as evidence while Hout Bay patrolmen raced to East Fort where they discovered his body.

The trail was cordoned off and hikers on the path were diverted to an alternative route.

Police established that the murder weapon was not on the scene and a senior detective, assisted by Table Mountain rangers, launched a roadside search which proved fruitless.

After a thorough crime scene investigation Ivanov’s body was carried off the trail to a mortuary van at 3.20pm.

Ivanov was staying at a guest house in Hout Bay, and it’s reported that his hosts had advised against him hiking alone.

How sickening that we must now warn visitors to our shores that they cannot walk a popular trail by themselves, on a Saturday just before midday.

Jürgen Buchelt, who was hiking in the area at the time, shared this image of the aftermath:

On popular Facebook group Hout Bay Organised, tributes were paid to Ivanov, with community members gathering to pay their respects.

After the images were posted, Dina Ivanova, Ivan’s sister-in-law, made contact with one of the people who posted, asking that some information be shared:

RIP, Ivan.

[sources:iol&facebook]