Cape Town police continue to investigate the death of a man who jumped from the 28th floor of Hotel Sky on Monday, 9 June.
While the man’s identity has now been confirmed, it has not yet been made public.
He was reportedly just 33 years of age.
Initially DNA testing was required to verify the body due to its condition, but police have since reached out to the man’s family.
Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Poje says the family has requested to keep his identity private. His body will be handed over to his next of kin, who will make arrangements for burial.
In South Africa, an inquest docket is opened when a person dies due to unnatural causes, including suicide.
Not a hotel guest
According to authorities, the deceased was a walk-in guest who was not formally registered as a hotel guest.
He was seen at the 27th-floor Sky Lounge before he somehow gained access to the rooftop area one floor above, which is usually off-limits and secured.
An autopsy has been completed, but the official cause of death will only be released during a scheduled inquest.
Police have not yet ruled out foul play, and investigations into how the man accessed the restricted area remain ongoing.
Background
Capetonians were left reeling last Monday afternoon following a tragic incident at Hotel Sky, where a man died after jumping from the rooftop.
Western Cape police have launched a full investigation, with crime scene experts and Cape Town Central SAPS detectives currently gathering evidence.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
Extended condolences
Hotel Sky’s Managing Director, Paul Kelley, confirmed the man was a walk-in visitor and that the incident was not connected to the hotel’s Sky Hi Ride attraction.
The man reportedly walked in off the street and went up to the 28th floor, which is the rooftop, and then jumped to his death despite the security and safety measures in place.
Kelley extended his condolences to the man’s loved ones, emphasising the need to take mental health struggles seriously.
“We must all recognise mental health illness and depression and never take these incidents for granted as a community.”
Kelley reaffirmed the hotel’s commitment to safety, adding that the premises comply fully with local and international standards.
If you or someone you know is struggling
Help is available. In South Africa, contact:
- SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group): 0800 567 567 / SMS 31393
- Lifeline South Africa: 0861 322 322
Have you ever managed to convince someone in need to call for help?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
