A 30-year-old woman, Chandre Steenkamp, died after being stabbed twice in the side during an argument with her brother on Sunday, 5 July 2026. The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. at a residence in Nile Way, Portland, Mitchell’s Plain, where both siblings lived with their uncle. Police have opened a murder investigation, and the brother is currently in custody.
Circumstances of the Stabbing
According to the uncle, who lives at the Nile Way property, the siblings were involved in a heated verbal dispute inside the home. The uncle stated that the argument escalated when the brother mentioned something bad about Steenkamp’s father. He alleged that Steenkamp attempted to stab her brother, who then took the knife from her and stabbed her twice in the side.
Following the altercation, Steenkamp walked to the driveway, where she collapsed and died at the scene. The uncle, who was in a back room at the time, reported hearing the quarrel but initially believed his younger brother and a friend were there to handle it. He expressed disbelief at the outcome, noting that he had spoken to the brother while he was held in the back of a police van. During that interaction, the brother reportedly told him, “Yoh, uncle, I can’t believe it. I did not mean to do it.”
The incident occurred in a residence described as a “drug house,” and the uncle confirmed that both siblings were on drugs.
Official Police Response
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that Mitchell’s Plain police have registered a murder case. Authorities have provided limited details regarding the specifics of the investigation, citing the sensitive nature of the case. Twigg stated that the circumstances surrounding the death remain under investigation, and no further information will be divulged by his office at this time.
In cases involving domestic violence and substance abuse, the presence of drugs often complicates the legal and emotional landscape. The fact that the suspect has expressed immediate remorse to a family member may be a factor considered during later judicial proceedings, though it does not mitigate the formal murder charge currently being processed by the police.
What Happens Next?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the victim in the incident?
The victim is 30-year-old Chandre Steenkamp.
Where did the stabbing occur?
The incident took place in Nile Way, Portland, in Mitchell’s Plain, at a residence where the siblings lived with their uncle.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Mitchell’s Plain police have registered a murder case for investigation, though officials have stated they will not share further details due to the sensitive nature of the incident.
How does the cycle of domestic conflict and substance abuse impact the safety of households in your community?