Camps Bay Murder: Police release images of two persons of interest

Police in the Western Cape have released images of two men they believe are persons of interest relating to a murder that occurred in Camps Bay in December 2025.

The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes detectives are seeking the assistance of the public to assist in tracing the two unknown men. 

The provincial police spokesperson, Captain Frederick van Wyk, said the victim was found dead in his home on December 30. 

“The body of the deceased, 86-year-old Gerhard Ernst Kopatz, was found in a separate apartment at his house at Francolin Street, Camps Bay,” van Wyk said. 

He said the elderly man had been assaulted, killed, and robbed. 

“The deceased was assaulted and tied up. The preliminary cause of death is strangulation. Two cellular telephones, his laptop as well as bank cards were stolen from his house. The deceased was last seen alive by neighbours on December 28, 2025, approximately at 3.45pm,” van Wyk said. 

The images of the persons of interest were captured on surveillance footage from neighbours. 

“Surveillance footage from the street captured two males leaving the deceased’s house on December 28, 2025, at about 4pm. The identity of the males is currently unknown. These males are considered persons of interest and can assist in the investigation,” van Wyk said. 

Police urge anyone with information that can assist with the investigation to contact the investigating officer, Detective Lieutenant Colonel Adrian Pretorius, at 082 777 8499, or call Crime Stop at 08600 10111.

robin.francke@iol.co.za

IOL