No progress in Otter murder case

POLICE are no closer to solving the death of Steven Otter, exactly one year later to the day.

The former City of Cape Town transport official and journalist died of stab wounds to the chest and face after confronting intruders in his Harfield Village home.

The attack occurred on December 16 last year and Otter and his then-partner, Melody Williams, had been living in the home for only four weeks.

Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said the docket had been finalised and the investigation completed.

“The matter was referred to the senior prosecutor for a decision and will now go to the inquest court,” he said. No arrests had been made.

Weekend Argus reported last year that the attack had occurred at about 4am. Neighbours said they had woken to Otter’s screams and found him bleeding profusely in the arms of Williams.

Williams’s daughter, Madison, aged 8, had also been in the house.

Police said two suspects allegedly had fled the scene with a television set, a laptop and a cellular telephone.

Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille, for whom Otter had worked when she was leader of the Independent Democrats, said at the time his death was a great loss.

Weekend Argus contacted the mayor on the first anniversary of Otter’s death.

“Steve was cherished by so many people he worked with for his warm nature and valuable contribution to our work. He is sorely missed,” said De Lille.

Mayoral committee member for transport and urban development Brett Herron echoed De Lille’s sentiments.

“It’s hard to believe our friend and colleague, Steve, was taken from us a year ago on our National Day of Reconciliation. His murder robbed us of a committed and empathic colleague – one of the good guys.

“We miss him and his quirky humour every day and can only imagine how painful this must be for his daughter and family.

“We would find some small satisfaction in the arrest, prosecution and conviction of those who killed him so senselessly,” said Herron.

In the early 2000s, Otter gained attention when he moved to iLitha park, Khayelitsha, where he lived for a year.

Otter was also remembered for his unconventional dress code – he often went without shoes.

Steven Otter