The owner of a Grahamstown club has called for more policing and better lighting in New Street following the stabbing of a musician outside his venue after a gig this weekend.
The owner of a Grahamstown club has called for more policing and better lighting in New Street following the stabbing of a musician outside his venue after a gig this weekend.
Musician Craig Albers was stabbed in the chest outside Slipstream night club around 11pm on Friday 22 April by a man who had asked him for a lift up the road. He was treated and discharged from hospital.
The news, posted soon after on social media, caused shockwaves among regular patrons of the New Street entertainment precinct. Several called for stronger policing in the area.
Friend Lance Ho who attended the live gig at Slipstream said the incident had occurred just outside the entrance in New Street.
“[His friend] came running into the club soon after the gig, screaming that Craig had been stabbed,” said Ho. “People ran out and brought him inside and called the cops and the ambulance.
“He had been stabbed in the right side of his chest and was battling to breathe,” said Ho.
“The car guard told us the guy who did it was trying to steal Craig’s car.”
Police confirmed the incident and as of Sunday 24 April, no arrests had yet been made.
Grahamstown Police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender said, “The victim, aged 26, was approached by an unknown male who requested a lift.
“On enquiring the destination, he pointed about a hundred metres away. The victim then refused him a lift.” The man stabbed the musician on his upper body and fled, Govender said.
“The suspects has been identified as a tall, skinny male and light in complexion who had on a beanie,” Govender said. “No arrests have been made.”
Friends have since confirmed that Albers’s condition was stable and he was discharged from hospital.
Slipstream owner Mike Theron, among those who rushed to Albers’s assistance, said it was the first time anything like that had happened near the club.
“The guy asked Craig for a lift and when Craig heard he only wanted a lift a little way up the road, he said he should rather walk.
“Craig was behind the wheel and the guy just leaned over and stabbed him three times,” Theron said.
Theron believes stronger policing and better lighting are needed to keep revellers and staff safe at night in New Street.
“This road is busy at night,” Theron said. “And the crime rate is worse if there’s not enough lighting.”
He said he would start a petition for better lighting in the area, which would be submitted to the municipality.
Theron also said he felt police should patrol the area more often.
Responding to these concerns, Govender said police viewed the incident in a very serious light, and were concerned with the safety of thecommunity.
“The SAPS conducts regular patrols around crime hotspots,” Govender said.
Govender said anyone able to assist in their investigation into a case of serious assault should please contact the Grahamstown Detectives at 046 603 9111 or 046 603 9152.
sue@grocotts.co.za
