Fish Hoek police issue warning over parolee seen in area

Fish Hoek police have issued a public safety notice after a man convicted of rape and attempted murder, who is meant to be under house arrest, was reportedly seen in the area last month.

According to a statement released on Wednesday, November 10, Fish Hoek police said they are following reports relating to Malusi Stimela, also known as Victor, who was seen in Fish Hoek during October.

Mr Stimela was convicted in 2006 for rape, attempted murder, and burglary that took place in Fish Hoek in 2005. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison but was later released on parole under strict house arrest conditions confirmed by the Department of Correctional Services.

Many residents will be familiar with Mr Stimela's name.

 Two years ago, he was charged with the murder of Fish Hoek resident Sheila Lewis, whose body was found in her Lavendon Street home in March 2023. At the time, Mr Stimela was on parole for his earlier conviction.

He was accused of burglary with the intent to rape and murder. Fish Hoek Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Peter Middleton confirmed that “the case was provisionally withdrawn by the court due to a lack of substantial evidence to proceed.”

According to previous reports, the Department of Correctional Services confirmed in 2023 that Mr Stimela’s parole conditions included house arrest, remaining within his magisterial district, and refraining from alcohol or drugs. His parole was initially due to run until May 2031.

Police stressed that the notice is not linked to the recent Echo Road murder case, where a 22-year-old woman was found dead after a house robbery on November 7. The notice is being shared purely in the interest of public safety.

Anyone who sees Mr Stimela or has information about his whereabouts is to contact Fish Hoek police immediately on 021 784 2720 or alert their local Neighbourhood Watch, who will notify police.