A Heartrending Loss: The Unjust Death of Phillips Allen-Bakare - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

A Heartrending Loss: The Unjust Death of Phillips Allen-Bakare

3 mins read
#phillipsallenbakare #greenpointtragedy #justiceforphillips

Phillips Allen-Bakare, a 23-year-old American visiting Cape Town, was tragically stabbed to death three times in the kitchen of Atlantic Point backpackers’ hostel. His family has started a fundraiser to bring his body back to the United States and seek justice for his loss. Phillips had visited Cape Town as part of a church group and extended his stay to immerse himself in the local culture and give back to the community. His roommate, Gedeon Tshimowa, has been charged with murder, and the case has been deferred until February 27th.

What happened to Phillips Allen-Bakare at the Atlantic Point backpackers’ hostel?

Phillips Allen-Bakare, a 23-year-old American visiting Cape Town, was fatally stabbed three times in the kitchen of Atlantic Point backpackers’ hostel. His roommate, Gedeon Tshimowa, has been charged with murder. Phillips’ family has started a fundraiser to bring his body back to the United States. They are seeking justice and closure for their loss.

A Tragedy at Green Point

Immersed in the agony of a devastating event, the kin of Phillips Allen-Bakare, a young American, who was tragically victim to a stabbing incident at the Atlantic Point backpackers’ hostel in Green Point, are reaching out to the world for support.

Phillips, a tender 23 years old, had his life abruptly cut short in a place that was meant to be a temporary haven – a backpackers’ hostel. Initially, Phillips had visited Cape Town as part of a church group, attracted by the city’s rich cultural diversity and breathtaking landscapes. After the group’s departure, he chose to prolong his stay, driven by a desire to further immerse himself in the local culture and give back to the community that had embraced him warmly.

The Incident that Shook a Community

On the ill-fated Friday, a shocking incident took place that rattled both the community and Phillips’ family. A deadly confrontation broke out in the hostel’s kitchen, a space usually filled with shared jokes and communal tales. Phillips found himself in the middle of a confrontational argument that escalated rapidly, resulting in him being stabbed thrice with a common kitchen knife. The same day, his 27-year-old roommate, Gedeon Tshimowa, was apprehended and appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court the subsequent Monday, confronting a serious murder charge.

Following this dreadful incident, the family, overwhelmed with shock and deep sorrow, has initiated their journey towards healing and closure. They have started a fundraising initiative via a GoFundMe page, appealing to the public for help in covering the cost of transporting Phillips’ body back to the United States. The price, a formidable $25,000, approximately R473,973.75, is substantial but insignificant compared to the emotional toll the family has endured due to the loss of a cherished member.

A Family in Mourning

Phillips’ older sibling, Tokunbo Allen-Bakare, has shared a heartfelt and moving message on the fundraising page. It is a poignant tribute to the family’s immense loss and the spiritual path that Phillips had pursued. He had experienced a divine call to partake in missionary work in South Africa.

In the message, Tokunbo stated, “Our family is currently going through a massive loss. On February 9th, my brother, Phillips Allen-Bakare, lost his life in South Africa.” Phillips, the oldest male offspring of the family, had been a pillar of support and a source of inspiration for them. His spiritual journey had taken him across seas, motivated by his aspiration to spread the message of God and bring hope to those he encountered.

The fatal incident leading to Phillips’ demise began with a trivial argument over the volume level of gospel music. Retreating to the communal kitchen to make some food, Phillips was pursued by his roommate, who took a knife and stabbed him three times, prematurely terminating his life and his mission.

Tokunbo continued to share the family’s devastation, “This news has left our family shattered. He wanted everyone to realize that God is real and he loves us.” She also requested donations to help transport Phillips’ body back to the United States, enabling the family to find closure and bid their peaceful farewells.

Justice for Phillips

In the face of this heart-wrenching tragedy, the family clings to hope, concentrating on their affection for Phillips and his enduring legacy. They yearn for justice and closure, accepting the support offered by the international community. The case has been deferred until February 27th as the court weighs bail, marking yet another stride in the lengthy pursuit of justice for Phillips Allen-Bakare.

1. What happened to Phillips Allen-Bakare at the Atlantic Point backpackers’ hostel?

Phillips Allen-Bakare, a 23-year-old American visiting Cape Town, was fatally stabbed three times in the kitchen of Atlantic Point backpackers’ hostel. His roommate, Gedeon Tshimowa, has been charged with murder.

2. What is the fundraiser for?

Phillips’ family has started a fundraiser to bring his body back to the United States. They are seeking justice and closure for their loss. The fundraising initiative is via a GoFundMe page, appealing to the public for help in covering the cost of transporting Phillips’ body back to the United States.

3. How much is the cost of transporting Phillips’ body back to the United States?

The cost of transporting Phillips’ body back to the United States is $25,000, approximately R473,973.75.

4. What was Phillips Allen-Bakare doing in Cape Town?

Phillips had visited Cape Town as part of a church group and extended his stay to immerse himself in the local culture and give back to the community.

5. What is the status of the case?

Phillips’ roommate, Gedeon Tshimowa, has been charged with murder, and the case has been deferred until February 27th as the court weighs bail.

6. What is the family’s message to the public?

The family is requesting donations to help transport Phillips’ body back to the United States, enabling the family to find closure and bid their peaceful farewells. They yearn for justice and closure, accepting the support offered by the international community.

Previous Story

Embracing Digital Transformations: The Cape Town Paradigm for Online Reservations

Next Story

A Hero Rises: Divan Snayers and the Night of Courage in Sidwell

Latest from Blog

Shores of Safety: How the NSRI’s Beach Camera Network is Changing Coastal Rescue

The NSRI’s Beach Safety Camera Network is making South Africa’s beaches safer by watching six risky spots with live video and trained watchers. These cameras spot trouble fast, helping rescuers jump into action before things get worse. The system respects people’s privacy and brings communities together to protect beachgoers. Thanks to this smart mix of technology and teamwork, more lives are being saved along the beautiful but sometimes dangerous coast.

Clouds Above the Cape: South Africa’s Teen Vaping Crisis

Teen vaping is growing fast in South Africa, with many young people using flavored nicotine vapes that are easy to find and heavily advertised. A big study found that nearly one in six teens vape regularly, and many show signs of addiction, worrying health experts. Vaping has become part of teen life at schools and social spots, fueled by cool images online and wrong ideas that it’s safe. Now, South Africa faces a crucial moment to pass strong laws and teach kids the truth before this habit takes deeper hold. Without action, many teens risk lifelong health problems hidden behind the clouds of sweet vapor.

Reimagining the Strand Street Quarry: Cape Town’s Next Chapter

The Strand Street Quarry in Cape Town is set to transform from a quiet, forgotten space into a lively community hub full of sports, culture, and fun. This special place, rich with history and surrounded by vibrant neighborhoods, will become a spot where people can play, celebrate, work, and connect. The city is listening closely to its residents to make sure the new space respects the past while welcoming the future. Together, Cape Town hopes to turn the old quarry into a bright, shared treasure for everyone.

Illuminations Across the Vines: The Spier Light Art Exhibition as a Living Canvas

The Spier Light Art Exhibition in Stellenbosch is a magical outdoor event that turns a quiet vineyard into a glowing playground of light and creativity. Artists from near and far use colorful lights to tell stories about history, community, and technology, inviting visitors to explore and interact with the shining artworks. As night falls, the farm transforms into a living canvas where light dances, sparks imagination, and connects people through shared wonder. This event is more than art—it’s a joyful celebration of light’s power to inspire and unite.

Cape Town’s New Dawn: Redefining Urban Justice Through “Invested in Hope”

Cape Town’s “Invested in Hope” budget puts nearly R40 billion toward building fairer, kinder neighborhoods by focusing on free basic services, support for pensioners, and job creation. This plan helps people who need it most, giving them water, electricity, and relief from property taxes. By investing in homes and jobs, the city is healing old wounds from apartheid and making sure everyone feels part of the community. Stories from residents like Nontombi and Zanele show how this hope turns into real, everyday changes. Cape Town’s bold steps offer a shining example of how cities can grow with fairness and care for all.