Retired police officer and fisherman Keith Blake this week held a memorial service for Patricia Williams whose decapitated body was found in Strandfontein bushes in August.
Patricia was found by her homeless boyfriend Neels Shabalala who had just come out of prison.
Keith says he followed the story in the Daily Voice closely and wanted to bring closure for the heartbroken Neels.
“I know them since I am a fisherman and they lived in the bushes,” he explains.
“I told Neels, let us do something to honour her. I invited other homeless people to join the memorial service.”
The service was held at the Strandfontein Pavilion on Wednesday and Keith says Neels was emotional throughout the service.
“He misses her so much, and he was emotional. I do not think he had something like this before.”
Keith’s wife prepared snacks for the service and flowers were thrown into the sea.
“You do not discard people because they are homeless. When I took out the food, you could see that it was too much for them.
“They felt like I had done enough with the service and there was no need for the food.”
The discovery of the body sent shock waves through the community.
Between 24 and 27 August, three bodies were found dumped in the stretch of road between the Wolfgat Nature Reserve and Strandfontein Pavilion.
Police have not made any arrests yet and Keith says that is disappointing.
“Neels is yet to receive any justice but at least we have brought closure.
“He will close this chapter and move on,” he says.