KNYSNA NEWS - The scenic stretch along the Thesen Island bridge has become a route feared by local business owners, employees travelling to the harbour, and tourists alike.
This follows an attack on a woman on Monday 20 April, while she was en route from Thesen Island Harbour Town to central Knysna after completing her work shift.
The woman was approached by a suspect, believed to be a vagrant, who allegedly robbed and stabbed her during the attack.
Emergency services were alerted and police escorted the victim to the Knysna Provincial hospital where she received medical attention. The extent of her injuries has not been officially confirmed.
Police have since arrested a suspect, who remains in custody and is expected to appear in court soon.
The scenic route, known for its picturesque views and steady flow of tourists, has increasingly become a source of concern for those who use it daily.
Local business owners say the incident is not isolated and warn that safety along the route has deteriorated. Many employees who work late shifts have expressed fear about walking to and from work, particularly in the evening or early morning hours.
Residents of Knysna and business owners operating near Thesen Island - especially in the vicinity of the waste transfer station - say they have repeatedly called on the municipality to intervene regarding illegal occupants in the area.
According to residents, these individuals have been linked to recent fire outbreaks and persistent foul odours affecting nearby businesses and public spaces.
The suspect is believed to be a vagrant from informal dwellings near the waste transfer station. Photo: Rozano Alie
Efforts to find alternative accommodation or rehome those living at the site have reportedly been unsuccessful, with residents claiming that a long-term solution from the municipality has yet to materialise.
"These issues are escalating. People are scared, and it's affecting staff, customers, and visitors," said one concerned business owner who wished to remain anonymous.
Stakeholders in the area have cautioned that ongoing safety concerns could negatively impact Knysna's tourism-driven economy.
The bridge serves as a key access point between Thesen Island and the town centre.
After this latest incident, calls are mounting for increased security presence, decisive municipal intervention, and improved safety measures to protect pedestrians and restore confidence in the area.
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