Key Takeaways
- A domestic worker at Jerome Booysen’s Bellville South residence was tied up during an armed robbery on Tuesday just after 11:00 a.m.
- The homeowner, a known underworld figure and suspected leader of the Sexy Boys gang, was not on the premises at the time of the incident.
- Police have opened a house‑robbery case, are still determining what was taken, and have made no arrests so far.
- Investigators believe the suspects entered after the property gate was opened and accessed the house through a sliding door, targeting cash or a safe.
- The case remains developing, with provincial police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirming that investigations are ongoing.
Incident Overview
On Tuesday morning, shortly after 11:00 a.m., a group of unidentified males carried out an armed robbery at the Bellville South home of Jerome Booysen, a Cape Town underworld figure linked to the Sexy Boys gang. According to police reports, the perpetrators overpowered the domestic worker who was alone in the house, tied her up, and proceeded to search the premises. No physical injuries were reported, but the worker was restrained for an undetermined period while the assailants looked for cash or valuables.
Police Response and Investigation
Bellville South SAPS responded promptly after being alerted to the break‑in. Provincial police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that a house‑robbery case has been opened and that investigators are actively working to establish exactly what was stolen during the raid. As of the latest update, no arrests have been made, and the identities of the suspects remain unknown. Van Wyk emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that further details will be released as they become available.
Details of the Entry Method
Sources familiar with the incident indicate that the attackers likely gained access to the property after the gate was opened, possibly by coercing or deceiving someone with authority to do so. Once inside the yard, the assailants entered the residence through a sliding door, a common point of entry in many suburban homes. This method suggests a level of planning, as the perpetrators would have needed to know the layout of the property and the timing of when the gate would be unattended.
Targeted Search for Valuables
During the robbery, the suspects reportedly focused their efforts on locating cash and may have specifically targeted a safe or another storage area where money or valuables were kept. The domestic worker, who was tied up shortly after the intruders entered, was unable to intervene or alert authorities while the search was underway. Despite the thorough search, it remains unclear whether any money, jewelry, or other valuables were actually taken; police are still inventorying any missing items.
Homeowner’s Absence
Jerome Booysen himself was not present at the residence at the time of the break‑in. Booysen, who has been associated with organized crime activities in the Western Cape, was reportedly elsewhere when the incident occurred. His son, Joel, confirmed the robbery to media outlets, noting that the family was shaken but relieved that no one was physically harmed. The absence of the homeowner may have influenced the criminals’ perception of the property as a softer target.
Statements from Family and Witnesses
Joel Booysen’s confirmation of the robbery added a personal dimension to the otherwise factual police report. He reiterated that the domestic worker was unharmed aside from being restrained and that the family is cooperating fully with law‑enforcement investigations. Neighbors in the Glenhaven suburb reported hearing unusual activity but did not witness the actual robbery; several have since expressed concern over rising crime rates in the area.
Broader Context of Crime in Bellville South
The incident fits into a broader pattern of residential robberies and gang‑related activity that has plagued Bellville South and surrounding suburbs in recent months. The Western Cape has seen fluctuations in property crime, with certain areas experiencing spikes linked to organized groups seeking cash, drugs, or weapons. While it is too early to definitively connect this robbery to the Sexy Boys gang, Booysen’s alleged affiliation raises questions about whether the attack was motivated by personal vendettas, extortion, or simply opportunistic theft.
Current Status and Next Steps
As of now, the case remains open, with detectives continuing to interview witnesses, review any available CCTV footage from the property and neighboring homes, and analyze forensic evidence left at the scene. Police have urged anyone with information—especially regarding suspicious vehicles or individuals seen in the area around the time of the robbery—to come forward. The domestic worker’s testimony will be a crucial component of the investigation, and authorities are providing her with appropriate support.
Conclusion
The armed robbery at Jerome Booysen’s Bellville South home highlights the persistent security challenges faced by residents in certain parts of Cape Town. While no physical harm came to the domestic worker, the psychological impact of being restrained and the invasion of a private dwelling are significant. Law‑enforcement agencies are treating the case seriously, and further developments are expected as the investigation unfolds. Community vigilance and cooperation with police will be essential in preventing similar incidents and ensuring the safety of all inhabitants in the suburb.