Dixies co-owner killed in hijacking

Flags outside Dixies Restaurant & Bar in Glencairn were flying at half-mast on Wednesday following the death of one of its co-owners, Ben Tuzee, 51.

Mr Tuzee was stabbed multiple times during a hijacking in Browns Farm, Philippi, on Tuesday morning, September 6.

His death comes four days before the first anniversary of the death of his father and the restaurant’s former owner, Reinje Tuzee, on September 10 2021.

His sister, Tinkeke Lombard, told the Echo that Mr Tuzee had been en route to Philippi with his niece, Kaele Lombard, to deliver a TV.

Kaele had sold the TV on Marketplace and was asked to deliver it to the buyer.

“They ended up in the wrong place and were hijacked,” Ms Lombard said.

Kaele’s car was taken, and Mr Tuzee was stabbed multiple times. Kaele was struck in the back with a rock but was otherwise unharmed.

Locals carried Mr Tuzee to a nearby clinic where he was treated, but he died 20 minutes later.

At Dixies, on Saturday September 17, at 4pm, there will be a celebration of his life.

Manenberg police spokesman Captain Ian Bennett said the incident took place at 9.45am on Tuesday.

He said it is believed that Mr Tuzee and his niece were stopped by a man in Msenge Street, Browns Farm, who told them that he had bought the TV.

After they stopped, two armed men approached them and smashed the windows, forcing Mr Tuzee and his niece out of the car.

Captain Bennett said Mr Tuzee had tried to “fight off the perpetrators” but had suffered several stab wounds to his upper body.

The suspects fled in the vehicle which police later recovered in Dyokani Street.

The perpetrators are still at large and police are investigating a murder and hijacking.

“The Nyanga precinct has become notorious for hijacking and murder, and persons entering this area need to take cognisance of the volatile situation they put themselves in,” said Captain Bennett.

“SAPS would like to warn people not from the area to enquire about the risk factors and not to enter an unknown area at night. Every individual's safety is of importance, and we would like them to prioritise their safety.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Crime Stop at 08600 10111.