The body of a man has been found inside the condemned building of the former GF Jooste Hospital in Manenberg.
Gatvol community members are now appealing for the buildings to be demolished as they have become a haven for criminals.
The body of a 34-year-old man was found with a gunshot wound to the head at about 9am yesterday.
According to police, on Wednesday night, the man and his 27-year-old friend had been collecting scrap metal from the condemned building when they heard voices followed by a gunshot.
Police spokesperson, Captain Ian Bennett, explains: “They were scrounging for scrap metal in order to sell to earn money.
“According to the 27-year-old male they heard voices and then a gunshot.
“He ran away immediately, leaving his 34-year-old friend behind.
“He returned to the site [yesterday] morning to check what happened to his friend, after he failed to return home. This is when he discovered the lifeless body of his friend.”
The body had a gunshot wound to the head.
Bennett adds: “The perpetrators fled the scene on foot. A case of murder has been opened for investigation.”
The hospital was decommissioned in July 2014 and became a site for vandalism and theft.
In 2015, the City of Cape Town indicated the former hospital will be converted into a Safety and Security police training college.
Community leader Desiree Paris urged authorities to fast track the renovations.
“The whole place needs to be removed before there is more murders and even rape.”