Cape Town waiter killed after brave pursuit of cell phone thieves

A Cape Town waiter and industrial engineering student was killed after heroically chasing down a cell phone thief on Monday 3 August, having been driven over by the perpetrator’s getaway vehicle. 

One suspect was arrested after she was left behind by her associates, but police are seeking information leading to the arrest of the other killers.

‘Heroic’ waiter killed by thieves

The waiter, 22-year-old Braden Cannoo, was working part-time at the  Jakes restaurant in Steenberg Village, when thieves snatched one got the staff member’s cell phones and made a break for it. 

According to restaurant owner David Ellis, Cannoo followed them out of the restaurant after they had raised suspicion and decided to leave.  He confronted them about the stolen phone before he jumped on the bonnet of their car, but slipped before the thieves drove directly over him. 

“A petty theft incident occurred within Jakes where a group of people posing as customers stole a cellphone. A young waiter, Braden Cannoo, responded by following them out to their car,” said Ellis.

“He jumped on the bonnet of the car speeding through the parking lot. He, unfortunately, slipped under the car as it sped towards the traffic circle in Reddam Avenue. Braden sadly succumbed to his injuries.”

He said that his staff and the family of the brave young man were devastated by the loss. 

“We’re extending sincere condolences to his family and the entire Jakes staff team who are shocked and saddened by a very tragic incident.”

Cannoo was ‘kind and compassionate  

Cannoo’s partner, Nina Devlin, posted on Facebook saying that he was a “kind.. compassionate” person who was always on hand to help those in need.

“He was the kindest most compassionate person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.”

“He was jokingly referred to as a ‘mother’ because he was always caring for anyone and everyone. He always did absolutely anything to help a person in need, even give his life,” she said. 

“The world has lost a truly beautiful human being.”

Police continue search for Cannoo’s killers  

Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana confirmed the incident on Tuesday, saying that a case of murder and theft, and said that one of the suspects had been apprehended, having been left behind by her associates. 

“It was noticed that one of the employee’s cellphone was stolen. A chased ensued and the three males jumped into an Avanza while the female suspect was left behind,” she said.

“The waiter, a 22-year old-male from Lakeside, then jumped on the bonnet of the fleeing vehicle. He was then flung off the vehicle. The fleeing vehicle with the suspects then drove over the waiter and he was dragged for a while. The victim later succumbed to his injuries and declared dead on the scene.”