Kommetjie heartbroken by murder of environmentalist
CONDOLENCES have continued to pour in for “much-loved” prominent Kommetjie environmentalist Wally Petersen, who was stabbed to death earlier this week.
Petersen’s murder has been described as a huge loss to the Kommetjie community, and has left many residents battling to come to terms with it.
The 53-year-old died after being stabbed on Monday. The police say his death was allegedly the result of a domestic dispute.
A 32-year-old woman from Pelican Park, who was arrested in connection with Petersen’s murder, appeared in the Simon’s Town Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Petersen’s friend, Joseph Mburu, described him as someone who stood for what was right at all times.
“Wally was one person who did not want to see wrong things happening around him.
“I have met a lot of people who come to my restaurant, but Wally was one the people I loved so much. He had a very warm heart. He was not afraid to take responsibility,” said Mburu.
He said he was with Petersen at his restaurant on Sunday – a day before his body was found in his house.
“We are still heartbroken about what happened to him and may his soul rest in peace. Wally was very helpful to everyone around him.
“He was always giving back to the community. He is one of the people who supported what we are doing,” said Mburu.
“His death is a shock and we have been left shaken by it. The community feels empty without him. I mean he was not sick or anything, this just happened suddenly.
“That was a human being we loved having around. Even when guys start arguing, he would do his best to stop him,” he said.
Sun Valley Eco Watch chairperson Karen Gray-Kilfoil said: “Wally’s death is going to leave a big gap in that community.
“Most of the work he did was voluntary and I don’t think anyone will be able to put in the commitment he did. He was a person who did not say a lot in our meetings, but did a lot and employed a lot of people.
“His death came as a big shock when I was told of it by a friend.”