The body of Linton Jutzen was found on a field where rubbish was dumped in Bonteheuwel.
Image: Supplied
The cause of death of a well-loved gay activist, whose body was found on a field where rubbish was dumped in Bonteheuwel on Monday, is under investigation.
Messages of shock and condolences were shared on social media for pageant queen, Linton Jutzen, aka Linda Sharapova.
Ward councillor, Angus McKenzie, said they believed it was a murder investigation, while police said they needed to confirm the cause of death.
Police spokesperson, Wesley Twigg, said a post-mortem would determine what happened to Jutzen.
“Bishop Lavis police registered an inquest for further investigation after the body of a 44-year-old man was found between a primary school and the tennis court in Bonteheuwel on Monday morning, April 21, 2025 at 9:10am,” he said.
“The victim had no visible injuries. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
“Anyone with any information about this incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”
McKenzie took to social media to issue a statement saying residents were shocked by Jutzen’s death and that he was fondly known by the community for his activism.
He called for an end to gender-based violence.
“It is with great sadness that I have learnt this morning of the gruesome murder of a well-known Bonteheuwel resident and activist for gay rights,” he said.
“Known for his bright pink hair, loved and respected by all, he was gruesomely murdered, placed in a garbage bin and rolled to an open field where the full bin was emptied.
Linton Jutzen, aka Linda Sharapova, left, participated in the very first Miss Gay Disco Queen in Bontehuewel.
Image: Supplied
“The motive behind the murder is unknown at this point, however, GBV must stop now.
“Being killed for your sexual orientation cannot be allowed.
“I sincerely hope that someone with information will come forward.
“I am disgusted in the manner in which his life has ended and his body handled.
“These individuals must be absolutely ashamed of themselves.”
Jutzen’s friend, pageant queen and transgender woman, Chedino Rodrigues Martin, said they competed together in pageants.
“I met Linda Sharapova about 20 years ago,” said Martin.
“We both entered a pageant for the first time and I remember how we were both nervous and that is how we started bonding and became friends.
"At the end of the night we made it to the top three, Linda was second runner up and I won the pageant that night and that was the start of our friendship.
“Linda had a beautiful soul, she always had a smile and could be tough when needed to.
“My heart is broken into a million pieces.”
Cape Argus
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